Nationals a favorite for Fielder  —  By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel  —  An MLB official told me over the weekend that word is spreading in the industry that the Washington Nationals have emerged as a favorite to sign free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder.

Yankees choice could be Garza vs. E-Jax  —  The Yankees desperately seek a No. 2 starter, and fortunately for them, there are still many viable alternatives available on the trade and free agent markets.  —  But ultimately, the choice could come down to Matt Garza or Edwin Jackson.

Coco Crisp decides on next team, but won't say  —  Departures are the norm for the A's this winter, with pitchers Trevor Cahill, Gio Gonzalez and Craig Breslow all dealt away and free-agents Josh Willingham and David DeJesus officially moving on.  —  One of the A's own free-agent outfielders, however, remains on the team's radar.

Next week's Cooperstown election results today  —  Next Monday the Hall of Fame will announce who the BBWAA is sending to Cooperstown.  If you want to know who will get in you won't have to wait until then to find out.  Just read on.  —  For the last few years I've issued an annual column predicting …

Red Sox Sign Carlos Silva, Ciriaco, Spears  —  The Red Sox have announced the signings of minor league free agents Carlos Silva, Brandon Duckworth, Charlie Haeger, Will Inman, Doug Mathis, Tony Pena Jr., Chorye Spoone, Jesse Carlson, Rich Hill, Justin Thomas, Pedro Ciriaco, and Nate Spears.

Hanley Ramirez to accept switch  —  SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Hanley Ramirez says he'll accept a position switch to third base so Miami Marlins newcomer Jose Reyes can play shortstop.  —  When Reyes signed a $106 million, six-year deal with Miami last month …

Indians sign righty Tejeda to Minor League deal  —  CLEVELAND — There is no denying that the bullpen is a strength for the Indians, and the club wants to take steps to try and keep it that way.  —  On Tuesday, Cleveland made its first transaction of 2012, inking right-hander Robinson Tejeda …

The Future (and Past) of the HOF  —  It's all well and good to say that the next three baseball Hall of Fame ballots will be “unprecedented.”  I've written that a few times, and it sounds good.  —  Next year's ballot will include: Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Curt Schilling, Craig Biggio, Sammy Sosa, Mike Piazza and Kenny Lofton.

Closer look at Adam Jones and the trade dilemma  —  There's been a whole lot of speculation on what the Orioles are going to do with Adam Jones this offseason.  —  The 26-year-old former Gold Glove center fielder and 2009 All Star is under the Orioles' control for two more years.

Brewers await resolutions on Braun, Aoki  —  MILWAUKEE — Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said the club entered the New Year with no word about the status of outfielder Ryan Braun, who faces a 50-game suspension under Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention & Treatment Program.