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 …

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.

Timing is everything in closing  —  Jonathan Papelbon will be missed in Boston, but not as badly as you might think … BOSTON — No word yet from the Dropkick Murphys on updated lyrics, now that Jonathan Papelbon has elected to ship out to Philly.  —  Papelbon always imagined himself in pinstripes.

Safety hits home for Yankees Jesus Montero after Wilson Ramos' kidnapping  —  Yankee catcher Montero thinks safety after friend, Nationals player Ramos kidnapped  —  Jesus Montero (c.) signs autographs for Yankee fans at Last Licks in Scarsdaleon Saturday.

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.

Cardinals could look much the same in 2012  —  Image  —  A year after carrying out a plan to enhance team chemistry and offense, Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has charted a different course this winter, regardless of who succeeds Tony La Russa as manager and irrespective …

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, former major league pitcher, found dead at Collierville home  —  Former major league pitcher Charlie Lea, a star at Kingsbury High and then-Memphis State University before embarking on a successful pro career, was found dead in his Collierville home Friday.  He was 54.

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 …

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 …

Economists: $1B for Dodgers is realistic  —  LOS ANGELES — A record price tag of $1 billion can be expected for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dodger Stadium and the surrounding real estate, according to several sports economists following the team's upcoming sale.