Associated Press
TOKYO -- Former All-Star infielder Jose Lopez is headed to Japan.
He has signed with the Yomiuri Giants of the Central League, the country's most popular team and winner of the 2012 Japan Series. According to Nikkan Sports, he agreed to a one-year deal worth $911,000.
The 29-year-old Lopez has spent nine seasons in the majors and was an All-Star with Seattle in 2006. He also has played for the Chicago White Sox, Colorado, Florida and Cleveland. He has a career .262 average with 92 home runs and 480 RBI.
Berkman passes physical for deal to be Rangers DH
ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers have completed a $10 million, one-year deal for six-time All-Star Lance Berkman to be their designated hitter.
The deal that includes a vesting option for 2014 was finalized Monday after Berkman passed a physical.
Berkman, who turns 37 next month, was limited to 32 games in St. Louis last year, when he had surgery twice on his right knee.
The switch-hitter provides the potential big bat for the middle of the lineup the Rangers were seeking after losing Josh Hamilton and catcher Mike Napoli in free agency and trading Michael Young to Philadelphia.
Berkman is a .296 career hitter with 360 home runs and 1,200 RBI in 1,806 regular-season games.
Mike Gonzalez, Brewers finalize $2.25M contract
MILWAUKEE -- Reliever Mike Gonzalez and the Milwaukee Brewers have finalized a $2.25 million, one-year contract.
The deal with the 34-year-old left-hander, which had been agreed to on Dec. 28, allows him to earn an additional $400,000 in performances.
Gonzalez had a 3.03 ERA and no record in 47 games last year with Washington, holding left-handed hitters to a .179 batting average. He has a 17-21 record with a 2.94 ERA and 56 saves with Pittsburgh (2003-06), Atlanta (2007-09), Baltimore (2010-11), Texas (2011) and Washington (2012).
Ex-manager Bobby Valentine joins NBC Sports Radio
NEW YORK -- Former Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine will work as a commentator for NBC Sports Radio.
He will be the part-time co-host of a weekday talk show that debuts in April. Starting this month, he will also periodically provide analysis to NBC Sports Radio shows and affiliated stations.
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