--DH/OF Jack Cust avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2. 

Oakland opened the offseason with a splash, acquiring LF Matt Holliday and his big bat (and expiring contract) from the Rockies. 

Jason Giambi had no better offers than the one-year, $5. 

--DH/OF Jack Cust avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2. 

Oakland opened the offseason with a splash, acquiring LF Matt Holliday and his big bat (and expiring contract) from the Rockies. 

Baseball commissioner Bud Selig has given the Oakland Athletics permission to "discuss a ballpark with other communities" if officials in Fremont, Calif. 

Designated hitter and outfielder Jack Cust and the Oakland Athletics agreed to terms on a $2. 

Designated hitter and outfielder Jack Cust and the Oakland Athletics agreed to terms on a $2. 

Designated hitter and outfielder Jack Cust and the Oakland Athletics agreed to terms on a $2. 

Designated hitter and outfielder Jack Cust and the Oakland Athletics agreed to terms on a $2. 

Mark McGwire can visit the Hall of Fame, but Tracy Ringolsby says a lack of contrition will cost him enshrinement in Cooperstown. 

Looking for next year's prized free-agent arm? Ken Rosenthal says it's going to be John Lackey unless the Angels get busy soon. 

Hairy Catch Dreadlocked Cardinals wideout Larry Fitzgerald leaped above Panthers defensive backs Ken Lucas and Charles Godfrey to snag a pass during Arizona's 33--13 romp over Carolina in the NFC divisional playoffs last Saturday in Charlotte (page 40). 

Hairy Catch Dreadlocked Cardinals wideout Larry Fitzgerald leaped above Panthers defensive backs Ken Lucas and Charles Godfrey to snag a pass during Arizona's 33--13 romp over Carolina in the NFC divisional playoffs last Saturday in Charlotte (page 40). 

Hairy Catch Dreadlocked Cardinals wideout Larry Fitzgerald leaped above Panthers defensive backs Ken Lucas and Charles Godfrey to snag a pass during Arizona's 33--13 romp over Carolina in the NFC divisional playoffs last Saturday in Charlotte (page 40).