The Dodgers continued their offseason spending on Friday as they agreed with reliever J.P. Howell on a one-year contract. ESPN.com reports the deal is worth just under $3 million and includes performance bonuses. Howell posted a 3.04 ERA in 55 appearances for the Rays last season.
CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports the Cubs signed pitcher Dontrelle Willis to a minor-league contract on Friday. The deal also includes an invitation to spring training. Willis was drafted by Chicago in 2000.
Citing multiple sources, SI.com’s Richard Deitsch reports the soon-to-be-retired Baltimore Ravens LB Ray Lewis is close to signing a multiyear contract with ESPN.
The New York Giants and Victor Cruz have yet to agree on a new contract, but the Pro Bowl wide receiver doesn’t appeared to be too worried about the direction of the negotiations.
Dirk Koetter won’t be serving as a head coach in the NFL, at least for next season. The Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator has signed a contract extension to keep his current role on Mike Smith’s staff.