Pujols' wife explains slugger's leaving St. Louis  —  Albert Pujols' wife Deidre, in an interview with a radio station with ties to the former St. Louis Cardinals slugger, said the couple was prepared to take less money to stay in St. Louis, but were greatly disappointed when the team initially offered him a five-year deal.

Brewers, Pirates Swap Veras For McGehee  —  The Brewers acquired right-handed reliever Jose Veras from the Pirates for infielder Casey McGehee, the teams announced.  The Brewers agreed to terms with Aramis Ramirez today, which lessens their need for corner infielders.

Mets, Struggling for Cash, Receive $40 Million Bank Loan  —  The owners of the Mets, needing cash and unable to turn to Major League Baseball for more financial help, received a $40 million loan from a major bank in the past six weeks.  —  The team described the arrangement as a “bridge loan …

Source: Aramis Ramirez to Brewers  —  Former Chicago Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez will sign a three-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, pending a physical, according to a source familiar with the situation.  —  Ramirez played the last eight-plus seasons with the Cubs.

No awards for those who cheat  —  If Ryan Braun doesn't win his appeal, he doesn't deserve to be the NL MVP  —  After Ryan Braun's appeal of his positive test, if it is concluded that he broke the MLB's drug policy during the 2011 regular season, why can't we take back the MVP award?

Rangers not fishing for Fielder, Darvish  —  That counter-punch to the Los Angeles Angels that many expect from the Texas Rangers probably is not coming.  —  The Rangers are more focused on trading for a starting pitcher than signing free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder …

Sonnanstine non-tenderered, Howell gets contract  —  UPDATE, 12:37 AM: Executive VP Andrew Friedman explained the decisions, saying they were confident Howell could still regain his pre-surgery and that there was no longer room for Sonnanstine.  —  On Howell: Friedman noted how much a grind …

Mets cut Ronny Paulino and Mike Baxter  —  The Mets cut Ronny Paulino and Mike Baxter tonight (making them free agents), which puts the team's 40-man roster at 38.  —  Mike Pelfrey, Manny Acosta, Ramon Ramirez and Andres Torres were tendered contracts and offered salary arbitration.

Marlins catcher John Buck helps rescue two women from overturned car  —  Think the Marlins front office had an eventful week last week in Dallas?  Consider Marlins catcher John Buck's week.  —  He started the week by bagging a trophy-class deer (209 points on the Boone & Crockett scale) on a hunting trip in south Texas.

Badenhop acquired from Marlins  —  The Rays added another potential piece to their bullpen, acquiring RHP Burke Badenhop from the Marlins for minor-league C Jake Jefferies.  —  Badenhop, 28, spent parts of the last four seasons in the majors, compiling a 13-15, 4.34 record.

Blue Jays Acquire Ben Francisco  —  The Blue Jays acquired outfielder Ben Francisco from the Phillies for minor league lefty Frank Gailey, announced the team.  The Jays also designated reliever Jesse Chavez for assignment.  —  Francisco, 30, hit .244/.340/.364 in 293 plate appearances for the Phillies this year.

D'Backs To Sign Takashi Saito  —  The Diamondbacks have agreed to sign right-handed reliever Takashi Saito, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (Twitter link).  The D'Backs were known to be targeting the CAA client, who drew interest from at least six teams this offseason.

Q&A with MLB Network's Brian Kenny  —  If you missed it, Friday's media column led off with a look at the MLB Network's “Clubhouse Confidential,” the network's innovative, sabermetrically-oriented program hosted by Brian Kenny, the incisive and opinionated former ESPN anchor and host.

Non-Tender Candidates  —  I initially published my non-tender candidates list on November 14th, and since then many of the 54 players I mentioned have been removed from 40-man rosters or traded.  Below is my revised list in advance of tonight's 11pm central time deadline.