The Rangers have signed free agent Lance Berkman to a $10 million contract for 2013. An official announcement is expected on Monday after he undergoes a physical, and that is not considered just the usual formality associated with a free-agent signing.

Lance Berkman is working relentlessly this winter to get ready, and he understands he has more yesterdays than tomorrows. If this is his last rodeo, he wants to make it a good one. He’s one of those players who has made the game better by being a terrific player and a good citizen. Let’s hope we see lots more of him.

Right-hander Javier Vazquez said Saturday that he has not made a final decision about his future in the big leagues. If he decides to make a comeback, he would consider playing for the Nationals even though their rotation is set.

Jody Gerut’s focus these days, in his newly embraced role as a player agent for Wasserman Media Group, is on the remarkable number of professional athletes who don’t take care of their money.

The Cubs likely won’t be a winning club in 2013, but they could well be one of the most improved teams in the Majors.

To most of his audience, Mariano Rivera was happy playing the role of pitching coach on Saturday morning, covering the basics for a room filled with big league hopefuls.

Outfielder Jose Bautista, who has been rehabbing this offseason after undergoing left wrist surgery in early September, declared himself 100 percent healthy to a group of reporters before a Winter Tour event at Rogers Centre on Saturday.

For the second time in four years, the Dodgers have signed utility man Alfredo Amezaga to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.

Lance Berkman told MLB.com on Saturday he had agreed to a one-year with deal with a vesting option for 2014 to be the designated hitter for the Rangers, pending a physical.

The Mets re-acquired an old friend Saturday, officially signing infielder Omar Quintanilla to a Minor League contract and inviting him to Spring Training.

Dontrelle Willis apparently is back with the Cubs. According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com and MLB Network, Willis has signed a Minor League deal with the Cubs. Heyman reported the left-hander was invited to the Minor League camp, but may get some Cactus League innings, depending on how he does.

The Toronto Blue Jays, in partnership with Baseball Canada, hosted a social gathering at Rogers Centre on Friday night to kick off a three-day coaching clinic.

Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos does not expect left-handed reliever Darren Oliver to be a part of the revamped Toronto roster come Opening Day.

When the Colorado Rockies drafted North Carolina State infielder Russell Wilson in the fourth-round in 2010, they knew he had NFL aspirations, and the Seahawks’ rookie quarterback sensation is showing the world why.

The Dodgers are close to reaching a one-year agreement with free-agent left-handed reliever J.P. Howell, according to a baseball source.

The Rockies will be among the teams that will scout former Cy Young Award winner Brandon Webb’s throwing session in the next couple of weeks.

The Indians are not done looking for ways to upgrade aspects of their roster. After signing right-hander Brett Myers, though, the club appears to be done doling out substantial big league contracts to free agents.