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 …

For what they're worth, the winter standings  —  The offseason is just about over, and today we take a look at where the 30 teams rank after their moves.  We know from last year - when the Red Sox acquired Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez - that “winning” December and January doesn't mean you win when it counts.

Cards seeking match for McClellan  —  The Cardinals are actively shopping versatile righthander Kyle McClellan in order to alleviate a numbers crunch within their bullpen and to restore payroll flexibility that could be committed to a free agent starting pitcher.

Johnny Damon, Raul Ibanez, Rick Ankiel and Kosuke Fukudome on Mets' wish list  —  Amazin's in search of a lefty bat to come off the bench  —  Traded from the Cubs to the Indians in 2011, Kosuke Fukudome bats .249 with five homers and 22 RBI in 59 games with the Tribe.

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.

Brewers setting record pace at box office  —  MILWAUKEE — The uncertainty surrounding National League MVP Ryan Braun has not hurt the Brewers at the box office, the team's chief operating officer said Sunday.  —  As fans began filling the Frontier Airlines Center for this year's version of Brewers On Deck …

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 …

Who's next in line for a big Rockies payout?  —  The refrain is consistent, if not relentless.  The Rockies never spend money.  Clearly, they don't dole out enough on payroll to satisfy most fans, understandable given the support this city and region have shown this team.  —  But the Rockies do spend money.

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 …

Diamondbacks' Montero: Headed to hearing?  —  Arbitration season is upon us, and the first player on the docket, Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero, appears headed to a hearing, according to major-league sources.  —  Montero, 28, asked for $6.8 million, a figure that would more than double his 2011 salary of $3.2 million.

At crossroads or not, Beckham has positive attitude  —  After two dismal seasons, Sox 2nd baseman believes he must return to his hitting strengths  —  Throwing baseballs out to fans at SoxFest: John Danks, Paul Konerko, Gordon Beckham, Matt thornton and Brent Lillibridge.  (Phil Velasquez / Tribune Photo)

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.

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.