HOF Story 3: The Yea Votes  —  People talk all the time about who “feels” like a Hall of Famer and who does not.  I know exactly what they're saying, because I feel those same impulses... and yet, I don't know exactly why it's true — why some players feel like Hall of Famers while others (who might be even better players) do not.

Knuckleballs of Kilimanjaro: Dickey Plots Ascent  —  When he goes out for his daily run, Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey straps on a black mask covering his eyes, nose and mouth.  The guise has two distinct effects.  The first is to limit his oxygen intake, simulating the conditions at a high altitude.

Yankees' A-Rod saw German doctors on advice from Kobe  —  Kobe Bryant can be credited with an assist to Alex Rodriguez.  —  According to multiple sources, the Yankees third baseman recently followed a recommendation from Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers star, and traveled to Germany …

Yankees To Sign Hideki Okajima  —  The Yankees agreed to a minor league deal with reliever Hideki Okajima, tweets David Waldstein of the New York Times.  Earlier, Sports Hochi in Japan reported talks between the two parties were in the final stages and a deal could be reached shortly after the new year …

Yanks end days of splurging on talent  —  Crazy times, is what baseball people are telling us about the game's current financial state.  The Yankees and Red Sox are frozen in place, refusing to splurge, while the Marlins and Angels have blown through their retirement funds.

Keeping Dobbs a top priority  —  MIAMI — Exploring the market for a frontline starting pitcher is high on the Marlins' shopping list.  —  But it's not the club's most immediate priority.  —  Right now, bringing back free agent Greg Dobbs is a main objective, and the team is hoping to finalize a deal done soon.

2011 MLB Salaries See 3% Increase, Rangers Lead All Clubs  —  Each year, a litany of articles are written about who is spending what on player payrolls in Major League Baseball based upon the Opening Day rosters.  —  But, a more telling set of numbers arrives each year, well after the season has ended …

Reds unable to follow up strong campaign  —  After 2010 division title, injuries, rotation woes led to subpar ‘11  —  CINCINNATI — The Reds’ 2011 season began with high expectations and ended in disappointment.  —  You couldn't blame a single person in the organization for feeling that way.

NPB Bullet Points: Okajima, Pinto, Aoki, Whitesell  —  A couple of hot stove notes for the evening...  - Sanspo reports that Milwaukee started negotiations with Norichika Aoki in in the backup player range, around $1-1.5m.  Additionally, since the Brewers lack a scouting presence in Japan …

Yankees to wear 1912 throwbacks for Fenway Park's 100th anniversary  —  The Yankees play in one of the newest ballparks in baseball, but next year they're going to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the oldest.  They'll be in Boston to play the Red Sox when Fenway Park turns 100 years old on April 20th …

Torrealba issues apology after suspension  —  Catcher draws punishment after striking umpire during game  —  ARLINGTON — Catcher Yorvit Torrealba has been suspended for 66 games — the rest of this Venezuelan Winter League season and all of the next — after striking umpire Dario Rivero Jr …