Angels owner explains refusal to meet Crawford's asking price; team makes ‘significant’ offer to Beltre  —  The Angels never made a formal contract offer to outfielder Carl Crawford, and owner Arte Moreno said Friday that, contrary to previous reports, he was not willing to match the seven-year …

Sources: Greinke asks Royals for trade  —  Zack Greinke wants to be traded, and the Kansas City Royals intend to grant his wish.  —  Greinke fired his agent on Friday, the clearest indication yet of the ace right-hander's desire to be sent to another club.

Padres Acquire Jason Bartlett  —  The Padres have acquired Jason Bartlett from the Rays, tweets Marty Caswell of XX1090 Sports Radio.  San Diego will also receive a player to be named later from Tampa Bay in exchange for Brandon Gomes, Adam Russell, Cesar Ramos, and Cole Figueroa.

THE DECISION...  Hey guys!  The weeks seem to be flying by the last few months.  I really can't believe Christmas is only a week away.  I still haven't gone shopping yet, but that isn't anything new.  When it comes to holiday shopping I rank towards the top of the list of procrastinators.

BP Unfiltered  —  What does Pettitte throw?  —  I recently wrote an article for ESPN Insider about Andy Pettitte's potential role in firming up the Yankee rotation in their competition for the American League East title in 2011.  The Baseball Prospectus version of the article is here.

Two best remaining targets on the market … This offseason has been, for the most part, a mystery.  The Carl Crawford signing with the Red Sox was slightly surprising in that most folks had him pegged for the Angels, the Jayson Werth deal with the Nationals was very surprising in that nobody …

Nationals targeting Lee to fill first-base void  —  NEW YORK — The Nationals are “actively” pursuing free-agent first baseman Derrek Lee, according to a baseball source, while another indicated that Lee is the club's top target to play the position.  The Nationals are one of several clubs interested in Lee's services.

Astros To Sign Bill Hall  —  The Astros have agreed to sign Bill Hall to a one-year deal that includes a mutual option for 2012, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter).  The AP pegs the guarantee at $3.25MM.  The agreement is pending a physical.

Scouting reports for the Top 10 Prospects (How to subscribe)  —  Omar Minaya seemingly could do no wrong in the early part of his tenure as Mets general manager.  He lured premium free agents Carlos Beltran, Pedro Martinez and Billy Wagner to Queens with rich contract offers.

Mariano Rivera may call Andy Pettitte soon to convince him to return to Yankees; Kerry Wood to Cubs  —  As Andy Pettitte continues mulling whether to play in 2011, a teammate who admires him is considering doing a little recruiting.  —  Mariano Rivera hasn't called Pettitte yet, but said Thursday, “I might try to reach him soon.

Francis' decision expected soon  —  I figured it would be today.  If not today, then early next week.  By then, Jeff Francis figures to be a Rockie or a former Rockie.  —  Francis has responded to a few texts this offseason, but hasn't commented on his contractual situation.