UPDATED: Giants talk to Sabathia's camp; Yanks rumored to be out, Brewers emerging  —  UPDATE: An executive close to the CC Sabathia talks told me the perception is that the Brewers are emerging as the frontrunner.  —  It's been confirmed to me that the Giants had discussions with CC Sabathia's camp …

METS, K-ROD CONTINUE TALKS  —  LAS VEGAS - Mets officials and representatives for Francisco Rodriguez were huddled this morning in attempts to put the last items in place for a contract that will bring the elite closer to New York on a contract in three-year, $37 million range.

Vegas updates 4:50p.m.  —Free agent Jason Giambi met with the Rays on Tuesday and is a candidate to fill their DH slot.  —The Brewers are expected to move to the head of the class in the Brian Fuentes sweepstakes now that free-agent closer Francisco Rodriguez has agreed to terms on a three-year …

Indians close to deal with closer Wood  —  Offer to ex-Cubs fireballer might include option for third year  —  LAS VEGAS — The Indians appear to be close to signing closer Kerry Wood to a two-year contract, MLB.com has learned.  —  The offer to Wood might include an option for a third year …

Redding for Taveras dead for now, but could revive after review of CF's leg injury  —  LAS VEGAS — A year after miscalculating on the impact of young starters, the Rockies remain determined to build rotation depth.  They are aggressively pursuing Washington right-hander Tim Redding …

Orioles trade Hernandez  —  Catcher dealt to Reds for Freel, two minor league infielders  —  LAS VEGAS - The Orioles have met one of their objectives at the winter meetings, finding a taker for veteran catcher Ramon Hernandez.  —  The club announced tonight that it will send Hernandez …

Second Tuesday afternoon update: Epstein says Red Sox ‘value [Buchholz] tremendously’  —  LAS VEGAS — If the Texas Rangers want Clay Buchholz, he won't come cheap.  —  When told this afternoon that Texas team president Nolan Ryan had said he was interested in Buchholz, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein responded: “I'm sure he is.”

Tigers, Mariners actively discussing Putz trade  —  LAS VEGAS - This morning, the Tigers and Seattle Mariners have discussed a trade that would bring closer J.J. Putz back to his home state.  —  It's not clear if the clubs are close to a deal, but the talks appear to be ongoing.

Rays met with Giambi  —  UPDATE, 9:18: Executive VP Andrew Friedman called it “a very good meeting” and said Giambi has “got a lot of the characteristics of a hitter that we like.”  He also said he spoke on the phone with a third potential addition, whom he would not name …

Meeting with Sheets impressed Girardi  —  Joe Girardi confirmed that the Yankees met with Ben Sheets and his agent, Casey Close, yesterday.  —  “I faced Ben Sheets when I was with the Cubs and I've admired the work that he's done over the years.  It was good to talk to him about his health, his routines and what he likes to do.

Phillies extend Manuel's contract through 2011  —  PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Phillies have picked up the option for 2010 on manager Charlie Manuel's contract and added a guaranteed year for 2011.  —  General manager Ruben Amaro rewarded Manuel on Tuesday for leading the Phillies …

Billy Ripken Obscenity Bat: He Finally Talks 20 Years Later  —  Had Billy Ripken not received a shipment of less than ideal Louisville Slugger R161 models that year...  Had Billy Ripken not decided to use one of those bats for batting practice that year... Had Billy Ripken not elected to mark that bat in a unique way that year...

Castillo to hit leadoff?  —  Reeling in Francisco Rodriguez wasn't the only bombshell by the Mets today.  —  Jerry Manuel revealed to reporters at the Winter Meetings that he might move embattled second baseman Luis Castillo into the leadoff spot next season — assuming Castillo is still a Met.

Kubek honored with '09 Frick Award  —  Former Yankee was voice of a generation in NBC broadcast  —  Tony Kubek, the former New York Yankees shortstop who made even a bigger name for himself in his post-playing career as an analyst on NBC's old “Game of the Week” telecasts …