Trying to make sense of Teixeira dealings  —  It has been suggested that the best way to decipher the Red Sox-Mark Teixeira negotiations is to pull out your old turntable, put on “Revolution 9” from the Beatles' “White Album” and play it backward.  Then you will know what's been offered and what's been requested.

Former major league pitcher Dock Ellis dies  —  Dock Ellis, the former major league pitcher best remembered for his flamboyance and social activism as a member of the great Pittsburgh Pirates teams of the 1970s, died Friday of a liver ailment in California, his former agent, Tom Reich, confirmed.

Jays Listening On Wells  —  By Ben Nicholson-Smith [December 20 at 8:58am CST]  —  Jon Heyman has heard that the Blue Jays “have fielded a few trade inquiries” about Vernon Wells, though they are not shopping him.  Wells has six years and over $100MM remaining on his contract.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim win case to keep name  —  State appellate court rules in favor of the team in suit brought by Anaheim.  City is not expected to appeal to state Supreme Court.  —  The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim can keep their name after all.

Clayton Kershaw: The lost interview  —  Okay, not so much lost, but forgotten for about ten days or so.  I sat down with Kershaw early last week when the Dodgers had some of their young 'uns working out at the Ravine.  Fortunately, the interview is, as they say in journalism parlance, evergreen.

DAMON USES RECRUITING ACUMEN TO HELP BUILD A CHAMPION  —  Johnny Damon made recruiting calls to A.J. Burnett.  His wife, Michelle, helped out in the CC Sabathia chase by texting CC's wife, Amber, answering questions so that the Northern California-based Sabathia family could feel at home in New York.

Sabathia to get $9.5 million from Yankees before season opener  —  NEW YORK — CC Sabathia will receive $9.5 million from the New York Yankees before he throws his first official pitch in pinstripes.  —  His $161 million, seven-year contract includes a $9 million signing bonus …

Relief effort over, Mets must finalize starters  —  After introducing their new bullpen stalwarts this week, the Mets will fully turn their attention to filling in the holes in their starting rotation.  —  GM Omar Minaya likely will have to remain patient with the Mets' top choices to round …

Braun to play for Team USA  —  Brewers slugger to represent country in World Baseball Classic  —  MILWAUKEE — Before he plays for his team in 2009, Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun will suit up for his country.  —  Braun said Friday that he has accepted an invitation to play for Team USA …

Norton signs one-year deal with Braves  —  Top-notch pinch-hitter will return to Atlanta in 2009 to help off bench  —  ATLANTA — After proving to be one of Major League Baseball's top pinch-hitters last year, Greg Norton proved valuable enough to earn a return to the Braves.