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.

Brewers turn to Gonzalez for better defense at shortstop  —  Offensive numbers are similar to Betancourt  —  By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel  —  Dallas - Before leaving baseball's winter meetings at the Hilton Anatole Hotel on Thursday afternoon, Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin …

Source: Matt Moore, Rays agree  —  The Tampa Bay Rays have reached agreement with rookie pitcher Matt Moore on a guaranteed five-year, $14 million contract, according to a baseball source.  —  The deal includes multiple club options and could extend to eight years for a guaranteed $37.5 million …

It's The End Of C.J. Wilson As We Know It, And ... I Don't Feel Fine  —  “I feel like I just want the [Rangers] fans to know that if things were a lot closer, it would have been a more difficult decision to go to Anaheim and I possibly might not have gone.  But there was really no comparison between …

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.

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 …

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 …

Pujols' agent touched base with Yankees  —  DALLAS — The Yankees never feigned even a glimmer of interest in fitting Albert Pujols for pinstripes, but the slugger's agent did reach out to general manager Brian Cashman just to make sure.  —  Cashman learned of Pujols' monster contract …

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.