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 …

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.

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.”

Jays' Bautista not bothered by amount of drug tests  —  On the day of the Toronto Blue Jays State of the Franchise address, the team's top slugger Jose Bautista joined Cybulski and Company on TSN Radio 1050 to talk baseball and the team.  —  Bautista addressed his claim that he's been tested …

Yankees considering bringing in Bill Hall as super utility man, righthanded bat off bench  —  Bombers eye ex-Astro, Giant as infielder  —  Bill Hall (l.) could slide into a Yankee uniform this offseason.  —  The Yankees have engaged in discussions with free agent Bill Hall about a possible utility role …

Pirates catching prospect Sanchez injured in offseason scuffle  —  Tony Sanchez, the Pirates' top catcher prospect, again got into hot water with the team when he sustained a broken jaw in a bar brawl earlier this offseason.  —  Sources told the Tribune-Review the fight happened …

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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.