Rangers' interest in Brandon Webb intensifies  —  The Texas Rangers and former National League Cy Young winner Brandon Webb continue to work toward a contract for next season, and sources said that there are plans for him to speak later today on the phone with manager Ron Washington and pitching coach Mike Maddux.

Greinke.  Gone.  —  I've got to hand it to Dayton Moore - I didn't think he could do it.  I didn't think he could find anyone to take Yuniesky Betancourt off his hands, and I didn't think he had it in him to admit he made a mistake in acquiring Yuni in the first place.  And he did.

Jenks finalizes two-year deal with Red Sox  —  BOSTON — The Red Sox have officially landed Bobby Jenks with a two-year, $12 million deal that was agreed on last week and finalized Tuesday.  —  Jenks broke into the Major Leagues with the White Sox during the 2005 season, and spent the last five seasons as their closer.

Five votes for the Hall of Fame  —  Roberto Alomar played for seven teams from 1980 to 2004.  —  My first Hall of Fame ballot was submitted today.  As promised, here is who I voted for:  —  Roberto Alomar  —  Bert Blyleven  —  Barry Larkin  —  Alan Trammell  —  Tim Raines  —  Explanation

One nickname for Phillies' aces rises to top  —  IF YOU want to create a nifty nickname for a player, a team or part of a team, you have to think like a bride.  Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.  —  Well, maybe not too blue because the kids are gonna …

Blue Jays sign Patterson, five others to minor-league deals  —  TORONTO - The Toronto Blue Jays signed speedy outfielder Corey Patterson and five other players to minor-league contracts with invitations to spring training Tuesday.  —  Patterson, 31, batted .269 with eight home runs …

RHP Rich Harden rejoins A's on $1.5M, 1-yr deal  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — Rich Harden is rejoining his first major league team.  —  The right-hander and the Oakland Athletics finalized a $1.5 million, one-year contract Tuesday after he passed a physical.  —  Harden went 5-5 with a 5.58 ERA …

Instant replay for balls and strikes  —  I am a big advocate for instant replay in baseball and I have been long before the rash of dreadful calls in the 2009 postseason and the Armando Galarraga/Jim Joyce episode.  And while I respect different opinions of any topic, I have yet to hear …

Former Phillies' prospect Flande signs minor league deal with Braves  —  Lefthander Yohan Flande, who was released this month by the Phillies to make room on the 40-man roster, has signed a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves with an invitation to spring training.

Feeling good about saying no to McGwire  —  I've changed my mind on something.  I want you to know that.  —  I'm peering at this year's Hall of Fame ballot from the Baseball Writers' Association of America, of which I am a member.  About a week remains before I have to fax in my ballot …

Nats in mix for Pavano, maybe not for Webb  —  NEW YORK — The Cubs and Rangers have jumped ahead of the Nationals in the Brandon Webb sweepstakes, according to a source.  No reason was given as to why the Nats fell behind in the race.  —  Washington was thought to be the front-runners …

Talent, not cash, at center of Greinke trade  —  No need for big markets as Milwaukee, KC help one another  —  When the Zack Greinke deal was agreed upon, Brewers general manager Doug Melvin told Royals GM Dayton Moore, “What's nice about this trade is that it isn't a big market taking from a small market.”

Strasbug ‘on track’ in elbow rehab … WASHINGTON (AP) — Stephen Strasburg says his rehabilitation is “on track” and that he hopes to start throwing a few weeks before spring training.  —  The Washington Nationals pitcher whose sensational rookie season was cut short by reconstructive elbow surgery …