• Giants, Lincecum reach $23M, 2-year deal: Tim Lincecum and the San Francisco Giants have reached a preliminary agreement on a $23 million, two-year contract, avoiding an arbitration hearing. The two-time reigning NL Cy Young Award winner had been set to ask for an arbitration-record $13 million salary for 2010 during a hearing Friday in St. Petersburg, Fla. Lincecum’s agreement, which also includes performance bonuses, is subject to a physical.

• Mariners, Mike Sweeney agree to minor league deal: Five-time All-Star Mike Sweeney has agreed to a minor league contract that keeps him with the Mariners. Seattle announced Friday that the popular 36-year-old has been invited to spring training. The designated hitter made the Mariners’ roster last year under the same arrangement, then teamed with Ken Griffey Jr. to improve the clubhouse dynamic.

• Frank Thomas announces retirement: Frank Thomas has announced his retirement following a 19-season career in which he hit 521 homers and won two American League MVP awards with the Chicago White Sox. The Big Hurt made the announcement Friday. Considering he didn’t play last season, the news was hardly shocking. With his power and ability to hit for a high average, Thomas figures to land in the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible.