Carl Crawford driven to Sox  —  HOUSTON — When he learned the parameters of the contract offer from the Red Sox [team stats], Carl Crawford nearly crashed his Range Rover.  —  It was the night of Dec. 8, and Crawford was driving along one of Houston's many freeways when he took a call …

Jason Bartlett gets $11-million for two years from San Diego Padres  —  Former Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Jason Bartlett got the multi-year deal he was looking for from the Padres, avoiding arbitration with his new team by agreeing to a two-year deal for a reported $11-million …

Dave Sisler; Red Sox pitcher was team's top rookie in '56  —  ST. LOUIS — Dave Sisler, the Red Sox Rookie of the Year in 1956, died yesterday at 79.  —  His son, David G., said Mr. Sisler died of complications from prostate cancer.  —  David M. Sisler was the last surviving child of Baseball Hall of Famer George Sisler.

The Greatest Athlete: “Is Derek Jeter Such a Bad Defender That He's a Bad Player?”  —  Ruth seems like a sure victor, but for his weight.  Ewing suffers, unfairly?  And one participant mourns the absence of an eighties fan favorite.  —  Yogi Berra, 1955. … Al Leiter: Lawrence Taylor was this guy who transcended his sport.

Pearlman Discusses HOF Vote, Bagwell, Piazza on Radio  —  Last night, Jeff Pearlman of Sports Illustrated joined me to discuss his controversial comments regarding steroids and Jeff Bagwell.  —  One of the points that Jeff made, and I agree with, is how MLB hasn't provided direction …

Yankees Have Strong Interest In Andruw Jones  —  Andruw Jones appears to be the Yankees' top choice as they continue to search for a fourth outfielder, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (on Twitter).  The sides are still apart on money, Heyman writes.  Agent Scott Boras, who represents Jones …

Astros Acquire Sergio Escalona  —  The Astros acquired left-hander Sergio Escalona from the Phillies for minor league second baseman Albert Cartwright, according to the teams.  The Phillies designated Escalona for assignment over the weekend to make room for J.C. Romero.

Urgent: Cards must move soon on Pujols  —  St. Louis needs to avoid free-agent circus with franchise player  —  For the St. Louis Cardinals, that ticking clock counting down the days until pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training has an added dimension.

The Trade That Didn't Happen  —  This past weekend may have comprised the rare and unusual off-season Rangers trade (one which saw recently DFA'd Guillermo Moscoso shipped to Oakland in exchange for minor league power reliever Ryan Kelly, who may not ever contribute to the Rangers' bullpen …

Scouting reports for the Top 10 Prospects (How to subscribe)  —  When the Brewers reached the playoffs in 2008—their lone postseason appearance in the last 28 years—they had their farm system to thank.  It produced a largely homegrown lineup led by Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder …