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A major hurdle to Sammy Sosa joining the Nationals has been cleared. Nationals GM Jim Bowden said Tuesday the team has offered Sosa a guaranteed major-league contract and is waiting to see if the seven-time All-Star accepts it. The deal is believed to be for only one year and laden with incentives. -- Florida Today

The idea of sending a video to Roger Clemens -- as reported by more than one media outlet yesterday -- to show him how much Boston fans want him back is important to the recruiting process, because the pitcher's agent, Randy Hendricks, indicated that the sentiment of Red Sox fans is something Clemens will weigh heavily. Hendricks wants to get a true measure on how Clemens would be received in Boston. -- Boston Globe

For now, Randy Hendricks has indicated that the Red Sox are very much in the mix for Roger Clemens, along with Texas and the Yankees. Hendricks has talked to the Red Sox at least twice. He indicated recently that the Sox had contacted him again after Larry Lucchino initially expressed interest in late November. -- Boston Globe

Greg Maddux will turn 40 in April and if the Cubs don't want him back in 2007, it doesn't mean he has any intention of retiring. Cubs manager Dusty Baker tried to imply last August that Maddux was considering retirement after the 2005 season, though Maddux says that was a figment of Baker's -- or someone's -- imagination. -- Daily Herald

The Phillies could make a trade in the spring to get a fifth outfielder. Bobby Abreu, Pat Burrell, Aaron Rowand and Shane Victorino are considered the team's top four outfielders, with a fifth spot open. Manager Charlie Manual said that he would like to see Alex S. Gonzalez, who has spent the majority of his 12-year career as a shortstop, and infielder Abraham Nunez play a little in the outfield this spring. -- Philadelphia Inquirer

Once Angels GM Bill Stoneman failed in his bid to land Paul Konerko, he decided to hoard his young talent. That is not the typical pattern of a team with World Series aspirations and money to spend. Stoneman's belief in his young players was bolstered three months ago when he visited the Arizona Fall League, where owner Arte Moreno also attended games. The strategy is risky, but it could be satisfying -- and cheap -- if it pans out. -- Orange County Register

There are strong indications that the Cincinnati Reds will name Jim Beattie as the team's general manager, the Dayton Daily News has learned. Nine candidates were interviewed and several have been told they wouldn't get the job, including interim GM Brad Kullman, Reds special adviser Leland Maddox and Philadelphia assistant general manager Mike Arbuckle. -- Dayton Daily News

Yankees manager Joe Torre said he would use six pitchers -- Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Shawn Chacon, Chien-Ming Wang, Carl Pavano and Jaret Wright -- as starters this spring, making the rotation a source of intrigue in camp. He said the Yankees would carry 12 pitchers, with Octavio Dotel expected to begin on the disabled list. -- New York Times

It appears pitcher Shawn Chacon and the Yankees won't be able to agree on a deal, and the matter will go to arbitration. The Yanks have offered $3.1 million while Chacon is seeking $4.15 million. The arbitration hearing is scheduled for Monday. -- New York Daily News

Joe Torre called it "sort of a problem" that Johnny Damon will play for the United States in the World Baseball Classic since the new $52 million Yankee center fielder won't be able to "mix the whole spring." -- New York Daily News

The Rangers remain interested in outfielder Danny Bautista. General manager Jon Daniels plans to talk to Bautista's agent, Diego Bentz, this week. -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Manager Joe Girardi said Monday he would have no problem using a rookie as his closer. One reliever merits particular close attention when pitchers and catchers report Feb. 18: former Twins prospect Travis Bowyer, who will be given every chance to compete with veteran Joe Borowski and others for the closer's job. -- Miami Herald

Even though the 12 young pitchers acquired by the Marlins this winter are well-regarded, it's very possible none might open the season in the starting rotation. Several could earn roster spots, and GM Larry Beinfest projects Jason Vargas and Brian Moehler will join ace Dontrelle Willis in the starting rotation. -- Miami Herald

There's some new turbulence blowing over Fenway Park these days. Literally. Renovations at Fenway Park may not affect wind currents there, but Trilogy, the Fenway Ventures development at the intersection of Boylston Street and Brookline Avenue, may, and it just might turn a David Ortiz bleacher blast into a warning-track catch by a certain clean-shaven Yankees center fielder. -- Boston Globe

Arizona had six outfielders on its 40-man roster before signing Jeff DaVanon Luis Terrero had been slotted for the prime backup role that DaVanon seems ready to fill, and the Diamondbacks likely will find a way to keep Terrero on the 40-man roster. The most logical candidates to be moved appear to be infielder Alex Cintron and backup catcher Koyie Hill, who has fallen to third on the depth chart with the acquisition of former All-Star Johnny Estrada. -- Arizona Republic

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