Jays sign Tallet, claim Beam

[ Toronto ] The Blue Jays avoided arbitration with reliever Brian Tallet and claimed right-hander T.J. Beam off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates yesterday. Tallet agreed to a $1.015-million US, one-year deal. The 31-year-old was 1-2 with a 2.88 earned-run average in 2008. Beam, 28, was 2-2 with a 4.48 ERA in 32 relief appearances for the Pirates.

Lions lose Logan to Steelers

Running back Stefan Logan is leaving the B.C. Lions and heading to the National Football League Super Bowl-champion Pittsburgh Steelers, two Canadian Football League sources said yesterday. Logan was among the CFL's rushing leaders last season with 889 yards on just 122 carries in his first year in the league. He also caught 52 passes for 477 yards and three touchdowns.

Steinbrenner optimistic

[ Tampa, FLA. ] Hank Steinbrenner is not guaranteeing his Yankees will win the 2009 World Series. Still, the team co-chairman is optimistic heading into spring training. "I feel real confident going into this season," he said. New York finished third last year, but spent $423.5-million US to add pitchers CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, and first baseman Mark Teixeira in the off-season.