Source: Cubs, Reds agree on trade  —  The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds have agreed to a trade in principle that will send pitcher Travis Wood and two minor-leaguers to the Cubs for left-handed reliever Sean Marshall, according to a source familiar with the situation.

Andruw Jones, who spent last season with Yankees, may be right for Boston Red Sox  —  Bombers could lose slugger to rival  —  Yankees might find Andruw Jones is better suited for offer from Red Sox.  —  For weeks, it has appeared to be a foregone conclusion that Andruw Jones would return …

Hit-and-Run Success is No Accident  —  “In this game you never know enough.”  —Dale Mitchell  —  The hit-and-run play is not highly regarded by the analytical crowd.  It is considered a one-run play and, like the sacrifice bunt attempt, it garners derision from people who hate small-ball tactics.

Scouting reports for the Top 10 Prospects (How to subscribe) … If there were any remaining doubters regarding the Rays' way of doing business, the 2011 season should leave nothing more than the sound of chirping crickets.  Despite having to build an entire bullpen and fill several other holes …

Quick Q&A: w/ Kevin Goldstein about cutting GCL Mets  —  The Mets announced Tuesday that they are eliminating their rookie league team in the Class-A Gulf Coast League, though they will continue to operate Kingsport.  —  Kevin Goldstein writes about every team's farm system for Baseball Prospectus, ESPN and Sirius/XM Radio.

Beltran expected to chose team soon  —  Image  —  The Cardinals remain in the mix for one of the top free agents still on the market even as they explore alternate ways to address an opening in the outfield.  —  All-Star Carlos Beltran is expected to select his next team this week, a source familiar with his plans said.

To Attract Potential Investors, Mets Add Perks to the Deal  —  It is, understandably, not the easiest sell: $20 million to own a small, noncontrolling interest in a baseball team renowned of late for losing — on the field and at the gate.  —  Of course, the owners of the Mets …

Catching up with Cardinals abroad  —  TOWER GROVE  • A day before the St. Louis Cardinals added the outfielder who could be his chief rival for a spot on the major-league roster, Adron Chambers doubled, tripled and finished 2-for-3 with a walk in his winter effort to get a head start on spring training.

A Real Fan Will Always Believe in the Cubs: A Fan's Perspective  —  I first became a fan of the Chicago Cubs back in the 1980s as a young teenager.  I had always loved playing softball and, because I lived just outside of Chicago, I had followed the Cubs games when I had the chance.

Phils give Minors deals to Luna, Montanez  —  The Phillies were involved with three transactions on Wednesday, including the signing of two players to Minor League contracts.  —  Philadelphia added infielder Hector Luna and outfielder Luis Montanez, and invited both to big league camp at Spring Training as non-roster players.

Ronald Belisario suspended for 25 games [UPDATED]  —  Reliever Ronald Belisario has received a visa valid for the next five years and is expected to be in Arizona for the start of spring training, but he won't be on the Dodgers' opening-day roster.  —  Belisario must serve a 25-game suspension …

Bill Conlin sex abuse allegations bring shock and outrage, and cold statement from BBWAA  —  Baseball Writer's Association of America misses mark on statement  —  Portrait of Bill Conlin from Philly.com  —  Hours after the Philadelphia Inquirer posted a report alleging that Hall …

Thoughts from the Orioles beat (Fielder, Jackson, Oswalt, Chen, Jones)  —  With news that the Texas Rangers won the posting rights to Japanese right-hander Yu Darvish, speculation has arisen that the Rangers may not be able to afford free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder.

Rangers acquire Martinez for catching depth  —  ARLINGTON — The Rangers have acquired catcher Luis Martinez from the Padres for Minor League pitcher Ryan Kelly.  Martinez, who appeared in 22 games for the Padres this past season, has been placed on the 40-man roster.