DETROIT -- Kenny Rogers expects to win with the Detroit Tigers.
As first reported by CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer Scott Miller, Rogers agreed to a $16 million, two-year contract to pitch for a team that hasn't had a winning record since 1993. Rogers, a 41-year-old left-hander, and the Tigers reached a preliminary agreement last week. Detroit hopes the three-time All-Star will be the productive veteran its rotation has lacked.
Rogers was 14-8 with a 3.46 ERA this year and won a career-high 18 games in 2004 with the Texas Rangers.
Rogers is most remembered for a tirade on June 29 in which he shoved two television cameramen while walking onto the field. He was suspended for 20 games, a penalty the players' association appealed. It was reduced to 13 games by an arbitrator.
Rogers' major league career began in 1989, and he has a 190-131 record with a 4.21 ERA with Texas, the New York Yankees and Mets, Oakland and Minnesota. Full Story
Padres bring back leadoff hitter Roberts
SAN DIEGO -- Padres leadoff hitter Dave Roberts agreed to a $2.25 million contract for 2006, and San Diego closed in on a $1 million deal for reliever Doug Brocail.
Roberts can make another $250,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances.
Roberts played center field for the Padres last year, but will be moved to left field this season to make room for Mike Cameron, who was obtained from the New York Mets on Nov. 18. Left fielder Ryan Klesko is being moved to first base.
Roberts batted .275 with a team-high 23 stolen bases, eight homers, 38 RBI and 65 runs.
Houston re-signs first baseman Lamb
HOUSTON -- Houston Astros first baseman Mike Lamb agreed to a $1.7 million, one-year contract with the club.
Lamb, who had been eligible for salary arbitration, could receive up to $100,000 in performance bonuses.
He batted .236 with 12 home runs and 53 RBI for the Astros last season, helping them reach the World Series for the first time.
Journeyman catcher joins Kansas City
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Royals have reached a preliminary agreement on a $700,000, one-year contract with backup catcher Paul Bako.
The 33-year-old Bako is a .239 career hitter and would play behind John Buck. Bako played 13 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year and had left knee surgery June 24 to repair his anterior cruciate ligament.
"There are still some things we need to tie up on that so it's not a done deal," general manager Allard Baird said, adding that Bako must take a physical.
A major leaguer since 1998 with Detroit, Bako has spent time with six NL teams. He has 14 career home runs and 133 RBI.
Utilityman Easley joins Diamondbacks
PHOENIX -- Free-agent utility infielder Damion Easley agreed to a $700,000, one-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Easley hit .240 with nine homers and 30 RBI last season for the Florida Marlins. A sprained right ankle ended his season in September.
He has a .251 batting average in 14 major league seasons with 138 homers, 586 RBI and 113 stolen bases in 1,427 games.
He has played for the California Angels, Detroit Tigers, Tampa Bay Devil Rays and the Marlins, where he spent the last two seasons. In 1998, Easley was an All-Star with Detroit.
