*BASEBALL: Robinson Cano, 25, and the Yankees were nearing agreement Thursday on a four-year, $30 million contract. … Relief pitcher Matt Guerrier and the Twins agreed to a one-year, $950,000 contract. … Relief pitcher Rafael Soriano and the Braves agreed to a two-year, $9 million contract. The Braves plan to make Soriano their closer this season. … Roger Clemens’ meeting with a congressional committee investigating steroids in baseball was pushed back until Feb. 5.
*COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Bodie Reeder, Eastern Illinois’ starting quarterback, likely won’t lose any scholarship money after his Jan. 11 arrest for driving under the influence.
*HORSE RACING: Santa Anita called off racing Thursday for the fourth time this month because of heavy rainfall on a synthetic track that has had drainage problems since its installation.
*NHL: Daniel Alfredsson had three goals and four assists for an Ottawa-record seven points in an 8-4 victory over the Lightning. … Tampa Bay’s John Tortorella coached his 507th game, breaking a tie with Herb Brooks for most games by an American-born NHL coach. … The Rangers retired defenseman Brian Leetch’s jersey number 2. … The NHL is in talks to open next season with games in Sweden and the Czech Republic.
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Edited by Bob Foltman from Tribune news services.
