Quick Hits...

* Brian Roberts: Second baseman Brian Roberts avoided arbitration with the Orioles, signing a one-year, $4.2 million contract Thursday & avoiding arbitration. One of the most popular players on the team, his new contract includes incentives for making the All-Star team, earning a Gold Glove or Silver Slugger Award, and being named MVP for the season or in the playoffs.

* Happy Trails: Former San Francisco catcher Mike Matheny was forced to retire due to post-concussion syndrome. After a 13 year career, his own doctor refused to clear Matheny to play in 2007 after a concussion sidelined him for the final four months of last season. He was a lifetime .239 hitter.

* Austin Kearns: Austin Kearns signed a 3-year deal with the Washington, thus avoiding arbitration, but also he secured his future for the short-term. Kearns will get $3.5 million this year, $5 million in 2008 and $8 million in 2009; the Nationals hold a $10 million club option for 2010, with a $1 million buyout. The contract does not include bonus clauses, but Kearns would receive a one-time payment of $100,000 if traded. He will clearly be part of the rebuilding effort in the nation’s capital, as he’ll be part of the core.

* Brett Myers: Right-hander Brett Myers agreed to a $25.75 million, three-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, thus avoiding arbitration.

* Tony Armas: Longtime former Expos/Nationals pitcher Tony Armas, Jr. will now be a Pirate, as he signed a 3.5 million dollar deal with the team. Armas gets $3 million this year, and the deal includes a $5 million mutual option for 2008 with a $500,000 buyout. His 2008 salary can increase depending on his performance this year.

* The Hundred Years’ War Plus Continues Overseas: The Red Sox and Yankees are fighting for the fans in Japan.