update

It’s not a record. OK, but $9.35 million for a year’s work isn’t bad. That’s what Jonathan Papelbon will get from the Boston Red Sox this season. The former Mississippi State star agreed to a deal late Tuesday, avoiding arbitration, which reportedly the Red Sox didn’t want to chance. The arbitration record for a closer is $10 million, which Papelbon might have surpassed if his case had been heard. He’ll get another pay raise soon enough. He’s eligible for free agency after the 2011 season. … Former Mississippi Braves outfielder Brandon Jones was claimed on waivers by Pittsburgh on Tuesday, so Atlanta loses the once highly regarded prospect with essentially nothing in return. Jones, 26, will have a real shot at a job with the Pirates this spring. Andrew McCutchen is set in center, but left field, Jones’ best position, could be had. Don’t be surprised if Jones is in the Bucs’ opening day lineup. … What’s that ping you hear? Small college teams in the state already have begun practice for the 2010 season.