Mark Prior out to pitch in for Yankees as ex-Cubs ace makes comeback after injuries derailed career  —  Mark Prior went 18-6 for the Cubs in 2003, but elbow and shoulder injuries damaged what should have been a dominant career.  He's attempting comeback with Yankees, the team that drafted him in 1998.

Nats remain in mix as Pavano decision nears  —  Free-agent pitcher likely to pick 2011 team after Christmas  —  WASHINGTON — The Nationals remain in the mix to sign right-hander Carl Pavano, according to a baseball source.  Pavano will most likely make a decision on his destination after the Christmas holiday.

Christmas lesson for Rangers' Josh Hamilton and family to begin at homeless shelter  —  ‘The true spirit of what Christmas is giving’  —  The American League MVP, his wife and three daughters woke Christmas morning to a new tradition.  —  Mom and Dad were to give their girls only one gift each.

New York Yankees will be just fine without Cliff Lee, Alex Rodriguez says  —  Yankees fans weren't the only ones upset to learn that Cliff Lee had opted for the Phillies over the Bombers this month.  Alex Rodriguez was looking forward to seeing the lefty ace suiting up in pinstripes.

Jamie Moyer is hoping to make comeback in 2012 — at age 49  —  Former Mariners pitcher Jamie Moyer had Tommy John surgery on Dec. 1 and will miss the 2011 baseball season.  He hopes to return to the mound in 2012, if someone will give him a chance at the age of 49.

Giants' Wilson records big save for kids  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Brian Wilson picked up his 55th save of the year, and probably his most meaningful one, weeks after baseball season ended.  —  Wilson provided a holiday party for 50 youths on Dec. 15 at San Francisco's Janet Pomeroy Center …

The Year in PITCHf/x Calibration  —  This week, I handed in potentially the final paper of my academic career.  It was titled, “The History of PITCHf/x.”  That is to say that I greatly enjoy thinking about, reading about, and writing about PITCHf/x data.  So I don't mean to cast PITCHf/x …

AP Sources: Padres Agree to 1-Year Deal With Hawpe  —  SAN DIEGO (AP) — The San Diego Padres have agreed to terms of a one-year contract with Brad Hawpe to play first base, two people with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Friday.  —  The people spoke on condition of anonymity …

Saves king Hoffman at crossroads as '11 looms  —  Closer enjoys offseason, weighs his options for next season  —  MILWAUKEE — Trevor Hoffman is 43 years old, but still open to the idea pitching in 2011.  Physically, he knows he could do it.  Emotionally, he's not so sure …

Dinner set to toast Cardinals, roast La Russa  —  TOWER GROVE — The St. Louis chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America is giving its annual dinner a spirited twist this season.  —  No, not just Albert Pujols sharing the Man of the Year Award or shifting the dinner to a different day.

For Ortiz, Christmas is all about the kids  —  Big Papi takes delight in bringing smiles to children's faces  —  FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — On a Saturday morning in mid-December, Red Sox slugger David Ortiz walked into his restaurant — Big Papi's Grille — and had a quick and good-natured greeting for his co-host at a holiday event.

Mike Krukow, Duane Kuiper to get extensions  —  (12-23) 21:42 PST — The Giants are close to bringing back two of their most prized free agents: television broadcasters Duane Kuiper and Mike Krukow.  —  The club has reached tentative agreements on six-year extensions for the well-regarded duo.