Alderson set to reopen talks with Reyes' agents  —  NEW YORK — A slow-developing market for free-agent shortstop Jose Reyes could receive some juice as soon as this weekend, when Mets general manager Sandy Alderson plans to reopen the lines of communication with Reyes' agents at the Winter Meetings, which start Monday in Dallas.

Orioles talk with Rangers about Teagarden; Mathis could fit backup plan  —  One of the main priorities you can expect the Orioles to soon address - whether it is this week, during the winter meetings or shortly thereafter - is getting a backup catcher.  The Orioles are looking for someone …

Angels get Iannetta from Rockies for Chatwood  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)—The Los Angeles Angels acquired catcher Chris Iannetta(notes) from the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday in a trade for right-hander Tyler Chatwood(notes).  —  New Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto made his first significant move …

Brewers, Cardinals, Giants In Talks With Alex Gonzalez  —  5:18pm: The Brewers and Cardinals are also interested in Gonzalez, tweets Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated.  —  4:48pm: The Giants are negotiating with free agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez, reports Fernando Gonzalez of ESPN Deportes …

Source: John Danks talks on hold  —  CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox haven't made a long-term contract offer to starter John Danks very recently because they were rebuffed after multiple attempts not that long ago, a source told ESPNChicago.com on Thursday.

David DeJesus' wife is a tad happy he signed with the Cubs  —  New general manager Jed Hoyer made it known on Tuesday that the Chicago Cubs were in the market for essentially everything, but specifically noted a left-handed bat was among the team's biggest needs.

No visit for C.J. Wilson  —  As we have reported on this site for weeks (months?), the Yankees are not that hot for C.J. Wilson.  In fact, even though, his agent requested a trip to the Bronx, the Yankees said no. So I'd put the chances of Wilson becoming a Yankee at close to less than five percent.

Signing-bonus constraints to impact Draft  —  Time will tell if teams will be helped or hampered by new system  —  Those who collectively bargained the new Basic Agreement are being lauded for maintaining a long stretch of labor peace.  While it certainly accomplishes that, a good portion of it …

Valentine set to return as Red Sox manager  —  ‘Bobby V’ back in big leagues as franchise's 45th skipper  —  BOSTON — Bobby Valentine's managerial career, which started in Texas, moved to New York and then all the way to Japan, will begin what should be a fascinating next chapter on Thursday …

LoMo to have surgery on right knee  —  Outfielder expected to be ready for Spring Training  —  MIAMI — Hampered for months by discomfort in his right knee, Marlins left fielder Logan Morrison has opted for arthroscopic surgery on Monday in Miami.  —  Recovery time for the 24-year-old is six to eight weeks.

Jays could make statement with Fielder  —  The Blue Jays last made the playoffs nearly two decades ago.  They finished fourth in the AL East in each of the past four seasons.  Ask an average American sports fan what he or she knows about baseball in Toronto, and the reply will have something …

Mo to have polyps removed from vocal cords  —  Mariano Rivera will undergo surgery Friday to remove polyps from his vocal cords, the Yankees closer said Thursday.  —  While appearing at a Salvation Army event at the Marriott Marquis in New York, Rivera said he will be unable to speak …

Inbox: Why not try to sign Fielder?  —  Beat reporter T.R. Sullivan answers Rangers fans' questions  —  I know a goal of the Rangers' offseason is to lock up the “core” of the team and that makes them unlikely to sign Prince Fielder.  How much would a huge signing like Fielder paralyze the Rangers financially?

Syracuse chancellor: We didn't know of the tape until Sunday  —  Late on Thursday, Nov. 17, ESPN contacted us regarding allegations of inappropriate behavior by Bernie Fine dating back to the 1980s.  We placed Fine on leave so we could learn the facts and avoid unfair rush to judgment.

Rockies' Geivett candidate for Astros' GM job  —  HOUSTON — Bill Geivett, the senior vice president of scouting and player development/assistant general manager of the Colorado Rockies, has emerged as a candidate for the Astros' vacant general manager position.

Rays looking for DH, 1B, bullpen help; getting lots of calls on pitchers  —  Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman talked Thursday about the team's plans and needs going into next week's winter meetings in Dallas.  He declined to discuss the possibility of going to the Astros, who requested and received permission to speak to him.

2012 Hall of Fame Ballot  —  Bernie Williams Leads Field of 13 Newcomers  —  Barry Larkin, Jack Morris Tops Among Returnees; Results announced Jan. 9, 2012  —  Two American League batting champions, two league leaders in runs batted in and a winner of the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award …