NEW YORK — Keeping up an unprecedented spending spree, the New York Yankees added Mark Teixeira to their collection of pricey free agents when they reached a preliminary agreement on a $180-million (all currency U.S.), eight-year contract with the first baseman.

OSAKA, Japan (AP) - Former Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Mench joined the Hanshin Tigers on a one-year deal Wednesday.

Rumors are going around about the Yankees sending Hideki Matsui to the Mariners for Erik Bedard. I wouldn’t be against this trade. It makes sense because Bedard would be a free agent after the season. It would be like giving a one-year contract to Pettitte, in that he can come for one year and leave. Hughes can get the #5 spot after the season.

Baseball may eventually have a future in China. It seems the same can't be said for the baseball venues built for the Beijing Olympics.