Santana available?  —  Yanks, Mets could go hard after lefty ace after talks break down  —  The Johan Santana sweepstakes are about to start burning up the Hot Stove League, and the Yankees and Mets are expected to go all-out in attempting to acquire the ace lefthander.

Mets interested in Freddy Garcia  —  The Mets tried to trade for Freddy Garcia last December, but the Phillies made a better offer and got the hulking righty from the White Sox.  —  The Mets, though, remained interested, and now that Garcia is a free agent, they've called his representative several times to discuss signing him.

A-Rod, Yankees agree to $30M marketing deal  —  '07 MVP could earn $30M for reaching HR milestones  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Alex Rodriguez and the New York Yankees have agreed on a $30 million marketing package based on home-run achievements that could raise the total value of his new contract to $305 million over 10 years.

Reds, Cordero agree to four-year deal  —  Closer's physical expected to be completed next week  —  CINCINNATI — The Reds made a huge move to improve the National League's lowest-ranked bullpen on Friday by agreeing to a four-year, $46 million contract with former Brewers closer Francisco Cordero.

Major league left-hander Joe Kennedy dies … Major league pitcher Joe Kennedy died early Friday morning while at home with his family in Florida, agent Damon Lapa confirmed to ESPN.com.  —  The cause of Kennedy's death could not immediately be determined, Lapa said.

Conlin's Losing Numbers [UPDATED TWICE: See end]  —  As you might recall from late August, I picked on Marcus Hayes of the Philadelphia Daily News for his close-minded and immature diatribe against proponents of Sabermetrics in baseball.  —  I've found another target.

Mitchell Report Could Have a Major Impact on Visas  —  Ten days ago, Robert Hill sent a memo to clients and other interested parties.  "ALERT," the memo began in capital letters.  "Anticipated December Release of Mitchell Report May Have Unintended Consequences for Foreign Athletes."

Orioles waiting instead of trading  —  Something should have happened by now, or so you might think after several months of speculation about the great Orioles rebuilding project that was supposed to begin this month.  —  Club president Andy MacPhail still might get something done before the end …

Free agent updates  —  The offseason is in full swing, and teams are in search of free agent help.  Here's a look at the players on the market and in the news.  —  Nov. 19: Rodriguez's negotiations with the Yankees are not yet complete, but the newly crowned American League MVP said that there is a finish line in sight.