This is the January 21, 2013 news archive. View today's NL Central news and rumors.

NL Central News and Rumors

Astros sign lefty Bedard to minor league contract

CNNSI.com

HOUSTON (AP) -- The Houston Astros have signed left-hander Erik Bedard to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.

MLB.com

Astros manager Bo Porter spoke glowingly Monday about outfielder Rick Ankiel, who signed with the team last week and will come to camp as a non-roster invitee. Ankiel played during the previous two seasons with Washington, where Porter was third-base co…

Jenifer Langosch, MLB.com

Preparing to enter the final season of his two-year contract with the Cardinals, Carlos Beltran spoke candidly Monday about his interest in staying in St. Louis beyond the 2013 season.

MLB.com

A day after Mike Matheny's current financial situation -- one that has him facing potential bankruptcy due to a series of investments gone wrong -- was delineated, in detail, in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals manager stressed that terming it…

Joey Nowak, MLB.com

The Pirates have reached a new two-year agreement with left-hander Francisco Liriano, about a month after an original deal was in place, FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reported Monday.

Mark Sheldon, MLB.com

The Reds and Major League Baseball on Monday announced that Commissioner Allan H. "Bud" Selig will be at Great American Ball Park on Wednesday to announce a significant contribution for an Urban Youth Academy in Cincinnati.

CNNSI.com

ST. LOUIS (AP) A public visitation for baseball great Stan Musial will be Thursday at the Cathedral Basilica in St. Louis, with a funeral Mass on Saturday.