Diamondbacks still interested in James Shields, despite tight budget  —  Although the imminent signing of Cuban right-hander Yoan Lopez puts the Diamondbacks beyond their financial comfort zone and could push them to make cost-cutting moves, General Manager Dave Stewart said Tuesday …

Diamondbacks Agree To Sign Yoan Lopez  —  Cuban righthander Yoan Lopez has agreed to sign with the Diamondbacks for $8.25 million.  —  Lopez is 21, so he is subject to the international bonus pools.  The Lopez signing puts the Diamondbacks well beyond their allotted pool space …

Braves sign Wandy Rodriguez to minor league deal  —  The Braves signed veteran left-hander Wandy Rodriguez to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, where he'll compete for the fifth spot in the starting rotation, a person familiar with the situation said.

Justus Sheffield, two others face charges  —  Three former members of the Tullahoma High School baseball team are facing charges following an incident that occurred early Monday on Cumberland Avenue in Tullahoma, according to police.  —  Justus Sheffield, 18, the Gatorade National Baseball Player …

Prokhorov Exploring Sale of Brooklyn Nets Basketball Team  —  The Brooklyn Nets are for sale.  —  Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov retained Evercore Partners (EVR) to sell the National Basketball Association team he bought in 2010, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter.

Jay cleared for increased activity, set to swing soon  —  ST. LOUIS  • Cardinals center fielder Jon Jay spent a few days in St. Louis this week to have his surgically repaired wrist examined and the green light given to workouts that, he said, will make sure he's available when spring training starts next month.

Red Sox create new behavioral health department  —  The annual announcement of Red Sox front office personnel changes typically features an array of title changes and newly hired evaluators who put in critical but unseen work, and this year's will be little different — except, perhaps, on one count.

Basket case blowing $25K to go to every Knicks game this season  —  No one in New York has worse timing than Dennis Doyle.  —  After the lifelong Knicks fan lost his job as a lawyer with a commercial litigation firm, he decided to pursue his passion and cheer on his favorite team at every game for an entire season.

Ace Hamels still on Padres' radar; Wil Myers not involved in talks  —  Fresh off a trio of bold impact moves to rework their entire outfield and the middle of their lineup, the aggressive Padres are still said to be alive for another potential blockbuster, this one involving Philly's ace …