Terry Francona Joins ESPN; Multi-faceted Role Includes Sunday Night Baseball Analyst  —  Terry Francona, two-time World Champion manager of the Boston Red Sox, has joined ESPN in a multiplatform role which will include serving as an analyst for Sunday Night Baseball, the network's exclusive national game of the week.

Marlins, Albert Pujols rep meet twice  —  How serious are the Miami Marlins about their push to sign Albert Pujols?  The team scheduled a second meeting of the day with Pujols' agent, Dan Lozano, for Monday night.  —  The two sides met for about a half-hour Monday afternoon …

Dodgers sign Jerry Hairston Jr.  —  DALLAS — The Los Angeles Dodgers capped a flurry of activity on the first day of baseball's winter meetings by signing free-agent infielder Jerry Hairston Jr. on Monday.  Hairston's two-year deal is worth $6 million, according to a source.

Executive VP Friedman staying with Rays  —  DALLAS — Andrew Friedman will remain with the Rays as the team's executive vice president of baseball operations.  —  For the past several weeks, Friedman has been mentioned in rumors as one of the candidates for the Astros' general manager's vacancy.

Rangers pursuing Oliver's return to Texas  —  DALLAS — Left-handed reliever remains a significant need for the Rangers.  General manager Jon Daniels would like to fill that hole with Darren Oliver.  —  Daniels said he has had preliminary discussions with Oliver's agent, Jeff Frye …

Ron Santo Elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame by Golden Era Committee  —  Chicago Third Baseman to Be Inducted in Cooperstown, July 22, 2012  —  DALLAS, TX — Ron Santo, a nine-time All-Star who amassed 342 home runs and five Gold Glove awards, has been elected to the National Baseball Hall …

Reds not pursuing Jurrjens, source says  —  DALLAS — Although there is a report to the contrary, the Reds do not appear to be going hard after Braves starter Jair Jurrjens.  —  A tweet from SI.com and MLB Network reporter Jon Heyman on Monday night said the Reds were “very interested” …

Trade interest heats up for Rockies' Smith  —  DALLAS — Rockies outfielder Seth Smith is drawing interest from multiple clubs, Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said Monday, the opening day of baseball's Winter Meetings.  —  It's not a guarantee that the Rockies will deal Smith …

AP source: Twins keep Matt Capps for $4.75 million  —  DALLAS (AP) - A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that closer Matt Capps and the Minnesota Twins have agreed to a $4.75 million, one-year contract.  —  The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because the deal had not yet been announced.

Zambrano convinced he'll remain a Cub  —  Friends says pitcher ‘looking forward to proving himself’  —  Carlos Zambrano walked out on the Cubs after this Aug. 12 game in Atlanta.  (Mike Zarrilli/Getty photo)  —  DALLAS — Carlos Zambrano has told friends that after meeting …

Marlins Get a Potential Bargain in Jose Reyes  —  Before the off-season started, we asked you guys to project how much the primary free agents would sign for this winter.  The FanGraphs Crowd tabbed Jose Reyes for a six year, $101 million contract.  Tonight, he signed with the Marlins …