Cardinals pick Matheny as La Russa's successor … ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals are replacing a manager who's third on the career victory list with a man who'll be writing his first lineup card on opening day.  —  Mike Matheny, a former catcher with the Cardinals …

MLB players, owners close in on deal  —  The most significant hurdle to a new labor deal in baseball is gone - or close to it.  —  Players and owners are in near-agreement on draft-related issues, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations.  —  A deal is possible Sunday or Monday …

Sveum to get 2nd interview with BoSox  —  As the Red Sox and Cubs interviewed many of the same candidates for manager, the possibility existed that they would end up trying to hire the same guy.  —  The possibility is growing stronger.  —  Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum is scheduled …

Popper: The downside to Mets' rebuilding plan  —  The early recruitment of Jose Reyes by the Florida - now Miami - Marlins raised not only the very real possibility that Reyes would be lost by the Mets, but that they might not get much of anything in return.

A big Fielder salary doesn't really fit  —  By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel  —  I spoke this afternoon with Brewers general manager Doug Melvin about the upcoming GM meetings this week in Milwaukee.  —  Melvin said he might meet with agent Scott Boras at those meetings to discuss Prince Fielder and the free-agent market.

A-Rod determined to rebound for Yankees  —  They are the Yankees, so you learn never to say never.  They U-turned last January to sign Rafael Soriano and launched February surprises in their recent past to obtain Roger Clemens and Alex Rodriguez.  —  Thus, if they make a huge signing …

Rockies look more aggressive in offseason market  —  It is often in a loss that a team reveals what it will do to win.  —  The Rockies were as aggressive as anyone in pursuing free-agent infielder Jamey Carroll.  They wanted him for the clubhouse, for the lineup and for second base.

Jays looking to deal for closer  —  Blue Jays' Alex Anthopoulos has a surplus of prospects and could look to make a deal or two at the general managers meetings.  (Craig Robertson, Toronto Sun files) TORONTO -  —  Alex Anthopoulos says he hasn't hung up the phone on any agents representing free-agent relievers.

DeSean Missed Meeting, Won't Play  —  When the Eagles' inactives are announced about 90 minutes before gametime today, there will be one very large surprise.  —  Wideout DeSean Jackson missed a meeting yesterday and was told he would not be in uniform for today's encounter with the Arizona Cardinals …

Sox will need an arms buildup in this offseason  —  Not sure if it's the toughest thing Ben Cherington has to do this offseason, but finding fourth and fifth starters might be right up there on the difficulty meter.  —  Do you spend major dollars to pursue C.J. Wilson, Mark Buehrle …

Cubs to work out Cuban star Cespedes  —  If you haven't heard of Yoenis Cespedes, you will soon.  —  The Cubs will have a private workout with the 26-year-old outfielder, who is considered to be the best player in a generation to come out of Cuba.  The Cubs will have plenty of competition …

New Baltimore Orioles GM Dan Duquette among group headed to GM meetings in Milwaukee  —  New Twins GM Terry Ryan makes his return to GM meetings  —  Baseball's movers and shakers converge in Bud Selig's Milwaukee this week where the stalled collective bargaining agreement negotiations …

Charlie Lea dies; Expos pitcher born in France, pitched no-hitter  —  This past May, the Memphis Redbirds honored broadcaster Charlie Lea on the 30th anniversary of the no-hitter he pitched for the Montreal Expos.  Six months and a day after that celebration, Lea was gone.