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Dodgers offer arbitration to Manny, Lowe (AP)
The Los Angeles Dodgers offered salary arbitration to free agents Manny Ramirez, Derek Lowe and Casey Blake on Monday. The club declined arbitration offers to its other free agents: Rafael Furcal, Jeff Kent, Greg Maddux, Nomar Garciaparra, Brad Penny, Joe Beimel, Gary Bennett, Jason Johnson, Pablo Ozuna, Chan Ho Park and Mark Sweeney.

Source: Hampton set to rejoin Astros (AP)
Mike Hampton is set to return to the Houston Astros, reaching a preliminary agreement on a $2 million, one-year contract. His deal would contain an additional $2 million in performance bonuses, a person familiar with the agreement said Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been finalized.

Reports: BoSox sign Japanese RHP Tazawa (AP)
The Boston Red Sox and Japanese pitcher Junichi Tazawa have agreed to a major league contract, according to two newspaper reports. The 22-year-old right-hander, who has never played professional baseball, agreed to a deal worth about $3 million, the Boston Globe reported Monday. The Boston Herald reported Tazawa likely would sign a three-year contract by Tuesday.

Teen signs as Japan’s first female pro ballplayer
A 16-year-old Japanese girl signed with a regional baseball team Tuesday, becoming the country’s first female professional baseball player.

No arbitration for Pettitte, Abreu (AP)
The New York Yankees declined salary arbitration with all eight of their former players who became free agents, a group that includes pitcher Andy Pettitte and right fielder Bobby Abreu. Both made $16 million last season, so the move was not a surprise. By declining arbitration, the Yankees forfeited draft-pick compensation if they sign with other teams.

Brewers offer arbitration to Sabathia, Sheets
Free agents CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets and Brian Shouse were offered salary arbitration by the Brewers, ensuring Milwaukee will receive compensatory picks in next year’s amateur draft if they sign elsewhere.