The Minnesota Twins sure aren't spending like a small-market team these days.

With a new ballpark set to open in April and a core of talented players in their prime, the Twins have shed their frugal ways.

The latest addition came late Thursday night when Minnesota agreed to a $5 million, one-year contract with second baseman Orlando Hudson. He joins a list of new faces that includes shortstop J.J. Hardy and slugger Jim Thome. And the team is in negotiations with catcher Joe Mauer on what promises to be a franchise-record long-term extension.

The team's payroll already projects to more than $95 million for the upcoming season, an unheard of level for a team that pointed to the Metrodome's inability to generate revenue as the main reason it would not keep up with baseball's biggest spenders.

Free-agent second baseman Adam Kennedy and Washington have agreed to a contract pending a physical. The person confirmed the agreement calls for Kennedy to make $1.25 million in 2010. There is also a $2 million club option for 2011. Kennedy's deal was struck shortly after Hudson agreed to the contract with Minnesota. The Nationals also agreed to a minor league deal with left-handed pitcher Shawn Estes. Kennedy hit .289 with 11 homers and 63 RBIs for the Oakland Athletics last season.

Reliever Kevin Gregg agreed to a $2.75 million, one-year contract with Toronto, a deal that could be worth $11.5 million over three seasons. Toronto has a $4.5 million option for 2011 or an option for '11 and '12 that would pay $8.75 million over two seasons. He'll compete with relievers Scott Downs and Jason Frasor, who are both eligible for free agency after the season.

Tim Lincecum is prepared to hear some harsh criticism in an arbitration hearing with San Francisco -- perhaps even delving into his offseason pot bust. The two-time reigning NL Cy Young Award winner is asking for a record $13 million, while the Giants offered $8 million when the sides exchanged numbers last month. Lincecum is seeking the richest contract ever awarded in arbitration, surpassing the $10 million that Alfonso Soriano (2006) and Francisco Rodriguez ('08) got after losing cases and Ryan Howard received after winning his in 2008.

The ball Alex Rodriguez hit for his 500th home run has sold at auction for $103,579. SCP Auctions said the buyer decided to remain anonymous. The ball, hit Aug. 4, 2007, off Kansas City pitcher Kyle Davies, was recovered by a college student at the old Yankee Stadium.

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.