Sources: Heath Bell, Marlins agree  —  The Miami Marlins and free-agent closer Heath Bell have agreed on a three-year contract, pending a physical, sources told ESPN.com.  —  The two sides have been talking about a deal that would pay Bell $9 million a year.  The deal also includes a vesting option for a fourth year.

Transcript of Sandy Alderson's Conference Call with Bloggers  —  On Thursday evening, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson spent a good portion of his evening fielding questions from the blogs, and Eno, Eric, and I have put together the full transcript of the call.

Bobby Valentine Plans Blending Sabermetrics With Baseball Experience to Make Decisions With Red Sox  —  BOSTON — When news broke of Bobby Valentine earning the Red Sox managerial job, one of the first perceived conflicts was how a team that heavily relies upon advanced statistics and sabermetrics …

Rockies are interested in Cubs infielder Blake DeWitt  —  It's that time of year for major-league players to keep their friends close and their cellphones closer.  Two months into the offseason, the Rockies have shipped out Ty Wigginton and Chris Iannetta and are actively seeking trades …

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.

Crasnick: Highly touted Cuban outfielder available for the taking  —  Cuban free-agent outfielder could command in the neighborhood of a $50 million deal  —  Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes has yet to play a game in the major leagues, and some scouts are already comparing him to former Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Raul Mondesi.

Trading Garza not on Epstein's mind  —  Matt Garza's name has surfaced in trade rumors recently because he's one of the few bargaining chips the Cubs have in trying to resuscitate an otherwise lifeless team.  —  But Cubs president Theo Epstein didn't sound like someone who was in a hurry to deal his best starter for inventory.

Bulked-up Chris Bosh: I'll play center if needed  —  Heat power forward Chris Bosh is ready, willing, and, this time, able to play center if called upon.  —  After shying from the assignment for much of his career, Bosh said he has resigned himself to the reality that he might be the Heat's best option in the middle at times.

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 …

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.