Dan Patrick: Braun ‘may be innocent’  —  By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel  —  Citing information from “somebody involved in the process,” sports commentator Dan Patrick said on his radio show Monday morning that “Ryan Braun may be an innocent man” and “may be exonerated.”

Blue Jays Sign Omar Vizquel  —  Jerry Crasnick of ESPN tweets that Omar Vizquel has reached an agreement with the Toronto Blue Jays on a one-year deal.  Vizquel, 44, appeared in 58 games with the Chicago White Sox in 2011, hitting .251/.287/.305 in 182 plate appearances.

Willie Harris signed  —  The Reds agreed to terms with utility player Willie Harris on a minor league contract, two sources confirmed to MLB.com on Monday.  —  Harris, who will be invited to camp as a non-roster player, can earn an $800,000 base salary if he makes the club and his overall salary can reach $1 million with incentives.

Red Sox “Optimistic” About Cody Ross  —  8:02pm: A team source says the Sox are “optimistic” about reaching a deal with Ross, reports Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald, and the contract will be for one year.  The source also tells Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe that if Ross signed …

New Astros owner mulls name change  —  HOUSTON — New Houston Astros owner Jim Crane is considering changing the name of the franchise as well as its uniforms.  —  Crane says the team will conduct a study to decide whether or not to change the name.  He says switching uniforms is something they are “highly considering.”

Former Phillies broadcaster Andy Musser dies  —  Former Phillies broadcaster Andy Musser died peacefully in his home in Wynnewood on Sunday, his family said.  —  Mr. Musser was 74.  No cause of death was listed.  —  The native of Lemoyne, Pa., broadcast Phillies games for 26 years.

Deadline for Dodgers bidders passes  —  Although the less-than-rigid deadline for submitting initial bids to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers came and went on Monday, there still was little information available that would hint at who will emerge as the franchise's new owner.

Angels still in the mix to land Cordero  —  Free-agent closer Francisco Cordero expects to pick a team by the end of this week, and the Angels are one of four finalists for his services, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told MLB.com.  —  The identity of the other three clubs …

Sources: Nationals know Zimmerman's price  —  As the Nationals talk to free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder, they face a significant contractual decision on one of their own players - third baseman Ryan Zimmerman.  —  Zimmerman has informed the team of the exact terms he would accept long-term, according to one major-league source.

Opening Day Ticket Opportunity Begins Tomorrow  —  Gold and Marquee Games also Included in Opening Day Opportunity at Brewers.com  —  The Milwaukee Brewers today announced specifics of an Opening Day Opportunity that will allow fans the chance to purchase tickets to Opening Day at Miller Park …

Reinsdorf issues statement on Ozzie's exit  —  CHICAGO — White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf issued a statement Monday concerning Ozzie Guillen's exit as manager on Sept. 26, with two games remaining in the 2011 regular season.  Guillen was released by the team from the remaining year …