The Arizona Diamondbacks made a strike for one of the game’s most coveted free-agent starting pitchers on Friday, when they signed Brandon McCarthy to a two-year contract worth $15.5 million.

The Reds and veteran outfielder Ryan Ludwick have agreed upon a two-year, $15 million deal pending a physical, according to an ESPN.com report.

The Nationals made it official on Friday, signing free-agent right-hander Dan Haren to a one-year, $13 million contract.

The Nationals made it official on Friday, signing free-agent right-hander Dan Haren to a one-year, $13 million contract.

Jame Loney is happy to be with the Rays. “I always liked the way they played,” said the Rays’ newest acquisition during a Friday afternoon conference call. “They’re always in the hunt, winning a lot of games every year, almost winning the World Series one year. So I like that aspect of it, and I also get the chance to play the majority of the time.”

Zack Greinke? Still seems likely. Josh Hamilton? Yep, there’s a good chance he’s back in Arlington. Justin Upton? Stay tuned.

The Yankees announced on Friday that they have agreed with outfielder Brett Gardner on a one-year contract, avoiding salary arbitration.

The Yankees announced on Friday that they have agreed with outfielder Brett Gardner on a one-year contract, avoiding salary arbitration.

Season ticket renewals have shown a sizable increase from 51.3 percent at this time in 2011 to over 90 percent renewal presently, White Sox senior vice president for sales and marketing Brooks Boyer said.

Season ticket renewals have shown a sizable increase from 51.3 percent at this time in 2011 to over 90 percent renewal presently, White Sox senior vice president for sales and marketing Brooks Boyer said.

David Price has an American League Cy Young Award under his belt, and on Tuesday, he’ll be presented the key to the city.

What do Terry Francona, Ron Washington, John Farrell, Bud Black and Charlie Manuel have in common? The managers were part of the 1988 Tribe squad.

What do Terry Francona, Ron Washington, John Farrell, Bud Black and Charlie Manuel have in common? The managers were part of the 1988 Tribe squad.

The Stand Up To Cancer auction’s stunning success and creative energy was largely the collaboration by all 30 Major League club public-relations directors and their staffs — individuals who have had enough of cancer diagnoses among co-workers and friends through the years.

The Stand Up To Cancer auction’s stunning success and creative energy was largely the collaboration by all 30 Major League club public-relations directors and their staffs — individuals who have had enough of cancer diagnoses among co-workers and friends through the years.

Kevin Youkilis was back in Boston on Thursday night for his annual charity event. He has a one-year, $12 million offer standing from the Yanks, with New York in need of a third baseman. But Youkilis didn’t throw another log on the rumor-mill fire.

Kevin Youkilis was back in Boston on Thursday night for his annual charity event. He has a one-year, $12 million offer standing from the Yanks, with New York in need of a third baseman. But Youkilis didn’t throw another log on the rumor-mill fire.