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.

Could Bill Buckner join Valentine's coaching staff?  —  While there are two openings on the Red Sox coaching staff, manager Bobby Valentine said at his introductory press conference Thursday at Fenway Park he had not made any decisions on who would fill those spots or even if he would retain …

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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.

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.

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.

D'Backs Have Made Offer To Lyle Overbay  —  The Diamondbacks have an offer on the table to veteran first baseman Lyle Overbay, reports Jack Magruder of Fox Sports Arizona (Twitter link).  It is thought to be a one-year contract and the Snakes expect a response from Overbay's representatives early in the Winter Meetings.