NEW YORK — The New York Yankees capped an offseason spending spree by agreeing to a $155 million, seven-year contract with prized Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka.

The Yankees flexed their economic might and committed $438 million to four free agents. Tanaka joined catcher Brian McCann and outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran on a revamped roster.

The Yankees must also pay a $20 million fee to Tanaka's Japanese club, the Rakuten Golden Eagles.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The NFL's officiating chief has cleared Broncos receiver Wes Welker of any wrongdoing for his hit that knocked Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib out of Sunday's AFC Championship.Vice President of Officiating Dean Blandino, said the hit was `legal.'