Crane tells fans: Astros name remains the same  —  HOUSTON — The Astros recently changed owners, will switch to the American League in 2013 and could have new uniforms then as well.  —  One thing that won't change is the team's name.  —  In an email sent to season-ticket holders on Monday …

Pat Burrell Retires  —  Pat Burrell is retiring, MLBTR has learned.  We last heard from Pat the Bat in November, when the 35-year-old told the AP, “I have not decided yet, but I don't think I can play anymore [due to a chronic foot injury].  It hurts me to say that.”

Brewers Sign Corey Patterson  —  The Brewers signed outfielder Corey Patterson to a minor league contract, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel tweets.  Patterson, a client of Jim Bronner and Bob Gilhooley, doesn't have an invitation to Major League Spring Training at the moment.

Past and present meet at Fenway benefit  —  Valentine, Cherington and Epstein appear at Hot Stove Cool Music  —  BOSTON — Whether Mike Aviles, Nick Punto or an unexpected name ends up as the Red Sox's starting shortstop in 2011, new manager Bobby Valentine indicated Monday he does not love the idea of a timeshare.

Mark Cuban On Leaving Behind The Dodgers Deal & Welcoming Khloe & Lamar To Dallas  —  LOS ANGELES, CALIF. — Mark Cuban has explained why he's out of the running as a bidder for the Los Angeles Dodgers.  —  “It just didn't work out.  I wanted to buy a baseball team; they were selling a media rights deal …

Start times set for regular-season games  —  Game times for the 2012 regular season, beginning with the Japan Opening Series 2012 and Opening Night in the United States on April 4, were announced by Major League Baseball on Monday.  —  The event in Japan, pitting the Mariners and Athletics, will take place on March 28-29.

Rangers sign Ron Washington to two year contract extension  —  Per Rangers' p.r. maven John Blake, the Rangers have signed Ron Washington to a two year contract extension, which runs through 2014.  —  Kind of amazing that the guy who some thought was going to be fired both early in the 2007 season …

Cubs invite 21 non-roster players to Major League Spring Training  —  Pitchers and catchers report Saturday, February 18  —  The Chicago Cubs have invited 21 non-roster players to major league spring training, which begins Saturday, February 18 when pitchers and catchers are invited to report in Mesa …

The 2012 Fantasy Baseball Season Starts Now!  —  From superstars to Single-A prospects, Rotoworld has analyzed, projected and profiled over 1,000 players and the Draft Guide also features a wide assortment of articles covering everything from prospects, keeper-league strategy and mock drafts to sleepers …

Roy Oswalt must deliver right answers to join Rangers  —  The Texas Rangers have questions, and right-hander Roy Oswalt better have the right answers if he hopes to pitch for them this season.  —  But even if Oswalt aces the test, he still might not be a fit in the Rangers' rotation.

Red Sox contract info  —  Here are some details for some of the contracts of recently signed Red Sox players.  —  Of Matt Albers' $1,075,000 contract, $650,000 is guaranteed.  —  Andrew Bailey gets a $50,000 bonus for 50 games finished and 55 games finished, plus $25,000 for All-Star appearance …

Tigers' Martinez needs 2nd surgery, out for year … DETROIT (AP) — Victor Martinez had knee surgery and will need a second operation, another indication he is likely to miss the entire 2012 season.  —  The Detroit Tigers star had microfracture surgery Friday to repair the medial and lateral meniscus in his left knee.