A's Talking Gio Gonzalez, Andrew Bailey  —  3:02pm: Rival executives say the Nationals have the best chance at obtaining Gonzalez and some believe Danny Espinosa or Ian Desmond could be in play, according to Heyman.  —  2:44pm: The Red Sox are trying to get Gonzalez and Bailey in a “monster deal,” tweets Rosenthal.

Beltran talks hot, Indians now in mix  —  Carlos Beltran continues to sort through interest from at least five clubs — maybe more — and hopes to make a decision by Christmas, sources with knowledge of the discussions say.  —  The Cardinals, Blue Jays, Red Sox and Rays were all said to be …

Trade market for Rockies' Smith taking shape  —  Rockies outfielder Seth Smith, expendable after the team signed Michael Cuddyer, is drawing trade interest from the Mariners, Athletics, Braves, Mets, and Rays, major-league sources said.  —  Smith could earn close to $3 million in salary arbitration …

Josh Thole says he has to prove himself every day  —  In a report for the New York Post, Josh Thole says: … In 114 games last season and 386 plate appearances, Thole hit .268 with a .345 OBP, 20 doubles and 40 RBI while striking out 12.2 percent of the time.

Danks, White Sox reportedly agree to $65 million deal  —  Despite persistent trade rumors, it appears that John Danks will be staying with the White Sox after agreeing to a five-year, $65 million contract, according to multiple reports.  —  Danks, who made $6 million last season …

Source: Twins to sign RHP Marquis  —  The Twins, seeking to boost their starting rotation, are close to signing free-agent right-hander Jason Marquis, according to a major-league source.  —  Marquis, 33, went 8-5 with a 3.95 ERA for the Nationals last season before getting traded …

Larkin, Morris May Get Their Calls  —  DENVER—Throughout his career, Jack Morris always was up for a battle, so why should things be any different now?  —  The most dominant pitcher of his era, Morris is on the Hall of Fame ballot for the 13th time.  It could well be his lucky number.