Watson denies steroid allegations  —  Former Yankees and Mets pitcher Allen Watson, accused by Jason Grimsley of using performance-enhancing drugs, issued a statement Friday denying the allegations.  —  “At no time during my professional baseball career have I used steroids or any performance-enhancing drugs.

Deck the halls with Santana?  Not likely  —  Johan Santana is not expected to be the Yankees' big Christmas present, a source with knowledge of the situation said Friday.  —  “I don't see it happening with us,” the source said.  “We pulled out in Nashville, and we haven't put an offer back on the table.”

Hamilton dealt from Reds to Rangers  —  Cincinnati gets Volquez, Minor League pitcher in return  —  The Rangers acquired outfielder Josh Hamilton from the Reds on Friday in exchange for right-hander Edinson Volquez and Minor League left-hander Danny Herrera.

‘Wild’ Yankee Tommy Byrne dies at 87  —  Tommy Byrne, the “wild man” Yankee lefthander who was exiled for his inability to throw strikes and then came back as a pivotal starter on the Bombers' 1955 American League championship team, died Friday in Wake Forest, N.C. He was 87.

Bedard likely won't be dealt by opener  —  After listening to trade proposals for his ace for the past couple of months, Andy MacPhail says it is a “strong likelihood” that Erik Bedard will be the Orioles' Opening Day starter rather than being traded.  —  “It's up to [manager] …

Juan Padilla eyes Mets' bullpen role  —  Juan Padilla, a righthanded reliever who has missed the last two seasons because of two elbow surgeries, agreed to a minor-league contract with the Mets on Friday and said he hopes to compete for a spot in the team's crowded bullpen.

Notes: Fields glad to welcome Quentin  —  Off-the-field friends excited to team up on the South Side  —  CHICAGO — Prior to Josh Fields leaving on an extended vacation earlier in the offseason, he spoke by phone to a good friend who played for the Diamondbacks but expected to get moved by Arizona.

Sox reportedly cut deal with Ramirez  —  Versatile Cuban can play shortstop, second and center field  —  CHICAGO — Two baseball sources have confirmed to MLB.com that the White Sox have agreed in principle on a four-year, $4.75 million deal with Alexei Ramirez.

More Juice, Less Punch  —  FOR those of us who love baseball, this has been a hard time.  The Mitchell report named many players past and present it said used steroids and human growth hormone, and the news media had a field day focusing on the lying, the cheating and the betrayal of the game and its fans.

Orioles could replace Dodgers in Vero Beach  —  A major league club has reserved the option to replace the Los Angeles Dodgers when they move from their longtime spring home in Vero Beach, Fla., Mayor Tom White said Friday.  White did not identify the team but it is believed …

Vizcaino agrees to two-year deal  —  Well-traveled reliever Luis Vizcaino officially moved on again Friday, this time by choice when the Rockies announced they have agreed to a two-year, $7.5 million contract with the free agent.  —  The Rockies will be the fifth team in five years for Vizcaino …

A Flotsam data special: Tangiblizing the intangible  —  Chuck Dickens  —  Idiot Savant  —  After Tim McCarver's month-long David Eckstein sploogefest that was October 2006, a serious investigation into ‘grit’ was long overdue.  Despite the penchant of sportswriters and broadcasters …

Q&A with Aaron Boone  —  Utilityman looking forward to a fresh start with familiar faces … MLB.com: What made you sign with the Nationals?  —  Aaron Boone: They made a good offer.  They stepped up.  We were talking to a couple of teams, and when I knew the Nationals were interested as well …

pre-holiday thoughts  —  OK, loyal bloggers/readers/etc., things are getting quiet for the holidays.  One thing — I've talked to several people in the Yankees organization today, and everyone expects Joba Chamberlain to be a starter.  So don't worry about a change in plans.  He should be in the rotation.