From zero to $254 million, how the Pujols deal got done  —  DALLAS - The telephone rang at 7:30 in the morning Thursday in room 1882 of the Tower Building at the Anatole Hotel.  —  It was Albert Pujols, who uttered the words to agent Dan Lozano that would dramatically change baseball's landscape.

Rhiner Cruz top pick in Rule 5 draft  —  DALLAS — The Houston Astros have made pitcher Rhiner Cruz the top pick in baseball's Rule 5 draft.  —  The draft of players left off the 40-man rosters of major league teams was held Thursday at the winter meetings.

Orioles Trade For Dodgers' Eveland To Bolster Rotation  —  The Deal  —  New Orioles general manager Dan Duquette added depth to the Baltimore rotation by dealing a pair of low-ceiling prospects to the Dodgers for lefty Dana Eveland.  Baltimore shipped low Class A lefty Jarret Martin …

Brewers pick Gonzalez over Yuni for shortstop  —  The Brewers filled the most glaring hole on their roster before boarding a flight home from the Winter Meetings on Thursday when they agreed to terms with shortstop Alex Gonzalez on a one-year contract that reportedly includes a vesting option for 2013.

Marlins' Leo Nunez won't face charges  —  SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Miami Marlins reliever Leo Nunez was arrested Thursday in his native Dominican Republic but then quickly released, with authorities saying he will not face charges stemming from an investigation into his use …

Cubs trade Tyler Colvin to Rockies  —  The Chicago Cubs traded Tyler Colvin and infielder DJ LeMahieu to the Colorado Rockies for Ian Stewart and Casey Weathers, the team announced Thursday.  —  The 26-year-old Stewart, who had a wrist injury at the end of 2011, batted .156 with no home runs and six RBIs in 48 games.

Rockies in mix for free agent OF Michael Cuddyer  —  DALLAS — The Rockies' willingness to consider a three-year deal for Michael Cuddyer has made them a serious suitor for the free-agent outfielder.  —  Cuddyer is already sitting on a reported three-year, $25-million offer from the Twins, his existing club.

Dodgers can hold early sale of TV rights, judge rules [UPDATED]  —  The Dodgers can sell their television rights along with the team, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross ruled Thursday.  —  Fox Sports now has until Jan. 14 to negotiate a new television contract with the Dodgers …

Store gives away jerseys while Metro East man hawks anti-Pujols shirts … Albert Pujols apparel flew off the shelves this morning at the four area Pro Image Sports stores, but only because it was free.  —  Paul Russo, who owns the St. Louis area franchises, said at about 1:30 p.m …

Dodger James Loney arrested after collision on 101 in his Maserati  —  Dodger James Loney was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after his Maserati allegedly sideswiped several cars on the 101 Freeway before it came to a halt in the fast lane with the infielder passed out inside, authorities said Thursday.

Red Sox Sign Jesse Carlson  —  The Red Sox signed lefty reliever Jesse Carlson to a split contract with a spring training invite, his brother told Robert Mayer of the local online newspaper the Berlin Patch in a story published yesterday.  Carlson, 30, had rotator cuff surgery in May and was removed …

Source: Darvish to be posted Thursday  —  A day long anticipated by major league teams finally has arrived.  —  Japanese right-hander Yu Darvish will be posted on Thursday, taking the first step toward pitching in the majors next season, according to a source familiar with his plans.

Kelly Johnson to accept Jays arbitration offer  —  DALLAS—In what seemed a surprising free-agent decision on Wednesday, according to Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos, with hours left to the deadline, second baseman Kelly Johnson was set to accept the club's arbitration offer for 2012.