Source: Oswalt likely to sign with Cards ‘soon’  —  Free-agent pitcher Roy Oswalt has elected to remain in the National League and is likely to sign with theSt.  Louis Cardinals “soon,” a major league source said late Friday night.  —  Presumably, any agreement would be pending a physical for Oswalt …

Mark Cuban, Dennis Gilbert eliminated from Dodgers' bidding race  —  At least eight bidders reach the next round, including groups of Magic Johnson/Stan Kasten and Rick Caruso/Joe Torre.  —  Mavericks owner Mark Cuban yells at officials during the second half of a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves …

Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson injured in fall, misses charity baseball game  —  Just got back from Fort Lauderdale Stadium, where I had hoped to catch up with Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson for his thoughts on how Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez might handle a move to third base this season.

Safeco Field's roof stuck open for FanFest  —  SEATTLE — While many of the Mariners future stars made appearances at Saturday's opening day of FanFest, one old dependable fixture was a no-show, as the Safeco Field roof failed to close due to a broken axle.  —  The retractable roof has failed …

Heyward hopes hard work is rewarded  —  Young outfielder determined to reclaim budding-star status  —  On April 5, 2010, Jason Heyward was 20 years old — an age when most of his friends would have been coming off spring break and downshifting toward the end of the school year.

Rangers sign outfielder Hudson to Minors deal  —  The Rangers added speedy outfield depth to their Spring Training contingent by signing free agent Kyle Hudson to a Minor League contract that includes an invitation to Major League camp.  —  Hudson, 25, made the rare trip from Class A through …

White Sox's Dunn ready for a second chance  —  CHICAGO — The loudest countdown on New Year's Eve might have been coming from the Adam Dunn household.  —  The disappointing Chicago White Sox slugger is among those glad that the calendar has turned to 2012 — the further he can get away from the worst season of his career the better.

Mauer declares himself healthy, rarin' to go  —  Catcher ready to move forward after injury-riddled 2011  —  MINNEAPOLIS — After dealing with a range of injuries and illnesses that plagued him during the 2011 season, Joe Mauer said Saturday that his offseason has been going to plan and that he's fully healthy.

Hiroki Kuroda talks about leaving Dodgers, why he chose Yankees  —  Hiroki Kuroda confirmed what Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti said earlier this month: Colletti remained in contact with his agent until he decided to sign with the New York Yankees three weeks ago.

Yu Darvish opens doors to Japan  —  Rangers get opportunities to cash in on new pitcher's popularity in his homeland  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — When Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish makes his first appearance on a bullpen mound on the back fields at Surprise Recreation Campus less than a month from now …

MLB may still add wild cards in '12  —  Baseball still could add two wild cards for the 2012 season, according to major-league sources.  But to expand the postseason so quickly, the sport must confront a scheduling puzzle that might be impossible to solve.  —  Union and management officials plan …