Red Sox Acquire Andrew Bailey  —  The Red Sox have acquired Andrew Bailey from the Athletics in a trade that will send Josh Reddick to Oakland and Ryan Sweeney to Boston, the teams announced.  First base prospect Miles Head and right-handed pitching prospect Raul Alcantara are going to Oakland in the deal.

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 …

Reports: Yankees agree to minor-league deal with reliever Hideki Okajima  —  The Yankees have agreed to a minor-league contract with former Red Sox reliever Hideki Okajima, according to multiple reports.  Okajima, who turned 36 on Christmas Day, will be invited to spring training and could compete …

My Hall of Fame Ballot for 2012  —  I voted for Barry Larkin, Edgar Martinez, Fred McGriff, Mark McGwire, Jack Morris, Rafael Palmeiro, Tim Raines, Lee Smith and Alan Trammell.  —  It's a very down year for first-year possibilities on the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot distributed …

Boras taking his time with Fielder deal  —  To the question, “What the heck is taking Prince Fielder so long to sign a contract?” his agent, Scott Boras, essentially replies, “These things take time.”  —  Fielder is a rare free agent, a 27-year-old slugger with 230 career homers …

Gap still exists in Giants/Lincecum talks  —  After some more negotiating this winter, indications are that there's still a sizable gap in long-term contract talks between the San Francisco Giants and their ace pitcher Tim Lincecum.  —  Neither side would speak directly about the specifics …

Diamondbacks Add Cuban Lefty  —  Cuban lefthander Alexander Carreras, who turns 22 on Sunday, has signed with the Diamondbacks for $400,000.  —  At his best, Carreras has shown a solid delivery and athleticism, touched 93 mph and mixed in a hard cutter/slider, which some scouts believe is his best pitch.

Exclusive: NYC-based company says Cowboys WR Dez Bryant is ducking another lawsuit  —  Forgive me for some non-Patriots news...  Cowboys WR Dez Bryant will have more on his mind on Sunday when he heads to New Jersey to play the Giants.  The mercurial playmaker is facing another legal battle …

Mike Rizzo, Nationals General Manager, joined MLB Network Radio and discussed the Nats off season needs and their potential interest in Prince Fielder  —  Mike Rizzo, Nationals General Manager, joined MLB Network Radio and discussed the Nationals off season needs and their potential interest in Prince Fielder