Shoulder surgery will delay return of Ryan Kalish  —  The trade of Josh Reddick to Oakland opened up significant playing time in right field for the Red Sox.  One logical solution would be Ryan Kalish, the athletic 23-year-old who performed well in 2010 before being sidelined for nearly all of the 2011 season with injuries.

Sources: Pujols altered deal to help land Wilson  —  Albert Pujols was on the receiving end of one of the most lucrative contracts in professional sports history when he agreed with the Los Angeles Angels on a 10-year deal for about $250 million earlier this month.

Nats player: We are “shooting for” Prince  —  There's been a lot of discussion and debate lately about whether the improving Washington Nationals are one of the teams trying to sign free agent slugger Prince Fielder.  —  And while there's still nothing definitive on the subject, one Nats player told me Thursday, “We're in the market.

Historically Underrated: John Olerud  —  When the Hall of Fame ballots come out I love to look at the names that are included for the first time.  To simply be named on the Hall of Fame ballot is an honor even if you know that player will not get a single vote.

Doctor who treated A-Rod: I can cure arthritis  —  The doctor that New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez traveled to Germany to see for his aching knee and shoulder is a former physician for Pope John Paul II who claims to be a miracle worker when it comes to reversing arthritis.

Mariners Interested In Kevin Millwood  —  The Mariners have interest in free agent right-hander Kevin Millwood, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com tweets.  Seattle is looking at veteran pitchers who could join Felix Hernandez, Michael Pineda and Jason Vargas in the projected 2012 rotation.

Predictions: MLB … We're coming to the end of a fascinating year of baseball, with tremendous comebacks, a surprise World Series winner, one of the great single days in the game's history and the news that we'll have labor peace for years to come.  Can 2012 top that?  Perhaps.

White Sox and pitcher John Danks agree to terms on five-year contract  —  The Chicago White Sox and left-handed pitcher John Danks have agreed to terms on a five-year, $65-million contract.  Under terms of the agreement, Danks will receive $8 million in 2012, which was to be his final season …

A Departing Q & A with George Vecsey  —  I always hoped this day would never come.  —  Breaking into journalism as a sports reporter back in 1960 with Newsday on Long Island, then beginning in 1968, landing at The New York Times as a general assignment sports reporter …