If Nats want Fielder, now may be perfect  —  The Prince Fielder sweepstakes finally are nearing conclusion, according to major league sources.  The Nationals remain a leading contender for the free-agent first baseman, if not the outright favorite.  —  Which is as it should be.

Prince Fielder signs with the Tigers  —  Chalk up one more for the so-called mystery team.  First it was Cliff Lee going to the Phillies, then Albert Pujols heading to the Angels.  Now Prince Fielder has shocked the baseball world by signing with the Detroit Tigers, a team …

Giants, Lincecum Agree To Two-Year Deal  —  The Giants and Tim Lincecum have agreed to a two-year, $40.5MM contract extension, avoiding arbitration, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports on Twitter.  Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported earlier today that the sides were …

Blue Jays re-sign Morrow for $20M  —  The Toronto Blue Jays locked up a key right-hand man Tuesday, re-signing starting pitcher Brandon Morrow to a three-year, $20-million US contract.  —  The pact includes a $10-million US club option for 2015.  —  Morrow, a 27-year-old right-hander …

Emotional Posada retires after 17-year career  —  Longtime Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, who spent his entire 17-year Major League career in pinstripes, announced his retirement during a Tuesday morning news conference at Yankee Stadium.  —  “Today's a very emotional day for me,” said Posada.

Solomon: Astros name change?  (Forget) that  —  Jerseys from Astros' 50 years  —  It is only right that Jim Crane has decided to slash ticket prices for that technically-major-but-closer-to-minor- league baseball team now known as the Houston Astros.  —  Perhaps fans can get their money's worth in the 2012 season.

Astros add ‘Baseball Prospectus’ alum Fast in drive for stats knowledge  —  The Astros added to their statistical strength in the front office, hiring Mike Fast, formerly of Baseball Prospectus to serve in the baseball operations department.  —  Fast, one of the foremost experts on pitch trajectory data …

Rosenthal: Get Set For Super 'Pen as Jays Sign Francisco Cordero  —  Taking time out from writing about Prince Fielder and money for the umpteenth time this winter to pass you along this news: Kenny Ken Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports tweets that the Jays have themselves a new setup man, ex-Reds closer Francisco Cordero.

Check Your Sources  —  It's a whole different world being a fan of baseball these days.  Technology makes it possible for fans to watch their team from anywhere, to discuss their team from anywhere and for information to spread like wildfire.  News breaks faster than ever.

Dodgers receive more than 10 opening bids for the team  —  Those submitting bids include Magic Johnson, Mark Cuban, Peter O'Malley and Joe Torre.  Sources say that St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke has explored whether to bid.  —  As expected, those involved in groups bidding for the Dodgers …

Retired Manager La Russa to Manage NL All-Stars  —  ST. LOUIS (AP) — Tony La Russa will become the second retired manager to lead an All-Star team next summer, joining Hall of Famer John McGraw.  —  La Russa concluded a 16-season run in St. Louis with the team's second World Series title …

Preseason College Top 25  —  DURHAM, N.C—Florida is No. 1 in Baseball America's preseason Top 25 rankings for the second year in a row—and the second time in school history.  The Gators, who finished as national runners-up a year ago, return the bulk of their everyday lineup …

‘Fausto Carmona’ to miss spring training  —  SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Cleveland Indians manager Manny Acta said the pitcher known as Fausto Carmona won't be making it to spring training.  —  Acta told The Associated Press late Monday that the team is trying to speed up Carmona's arrival.

Reinsdorf gave Guillen blessing to leave Sox early for Marlins  —  In the latest of a seemingly endless saga regarding manager Ozzie Guillen's departure from the Chicago White Sox to the Miami Marlins, Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf issued a statement saying he allowed Guillen …