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.

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

Wainwright expects to excel  —  As he's advanced the past couple of weeks with his throwing program, Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright can no longer fight his nature.  —  He'll get to one of his last pitches of a workout and wait for his catcher to expect another fastball.