Santana talks with Red Sox heat up again  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Boston Red Sox reaffirmed their status as the favorites to acquire Johan Santana as the team's top executives Wednesday evening warmed to the idea of trading for the Minnesota Twins ace mere hours after questioning the merits of the deal …

Dodgers, Jones reach an agreement  —  Deal calls for two years and $36 million, per a baseball official  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Dodgers landed the bat they've been seeking, reaching agreement on Wednesday night with free-agent outfielder Andruw Jones on a two-year, $36 million contract, according to a baseball official.

Brewers ink Riske to three-year deal  —  Right-handed reliever could be in the mix to be team's closer  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Over the next five days in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, new Brewers right-hander David Riske has plenty to celebrate.  —  While Riske and his family began a vacation …

Rolen has to go  —  Nashville - When trade talks with the Brewers for third baseman Scott Rolen broke off Tuesday because St. Louis asked for too much in return, the company line was that the Cardinals were not compelled to trade him.  —  Well, after the scathing remarks made by manager Tony La Russa …

Cubs turn focus to Roberts  —  After they were unsuccessful in their attempts to sign Kazuo Matsui, the Cubs have turned their attention to Baltimore's All-Star second baseman Brian Roberts.  —  Roberts hit .290 with 12 homers, 57 RBIs and a .377 on-base percentage during the 2007 season.

Santana/Reyes/Haren Rumor Quashed  —  UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 5:45pm: Billy Beane, who rarely comments on trade rumors, actually went out of his way to call mine below a "total fabrication."  I guess I should be proud, right?  I was the subject of an elaborate hoax/impersonated sportswriter (thanks, Fake John Delcos!).

Baker thinks Reds can get rid of the blues  —  Former Cubs manager confident—as always— team will rebound  —  NASHVILLE — Confidence never has been a problem for Dusty Baker.  That's somehow as true as ever, even if he is walking in the footsteps of Pete Mackanin, Jerry Narron, Ray Knight, Dave Miley and Bob Boone.

Rangers acquire Shelton from Tigers  —  Texas deals Guzman to Detroit for righty-hitting first baseman  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Rangers are leaving the Winter Meetings with at least one first baseman in their pocket, acquiring rigtt-handed-hitting Chris Shelton from the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday.

Yankees reach out to relievers  —  Offer to lefty Mahay in works; agent for Vizcaino contacted  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Backing away from the blockbuster neighborhood at the Winter Meetings, the Yankees hope to at least upgrade part of their bullpen before checking out.

Rule 5 Eve Rundown  —  NASHVILLE-Word on the street in Music City in advance of Thursday's Rule 5 draft came fast and furious late Wednesday night.  —  According to several sources, the Padres are planning on moving up to Tampa Bay's No. 1 spot to take Indians outfielder Brian Barton.

Sources: HGH suspension in works for Jose Guillen  —  The Major League Baseball Players Association is negotiating with MLB officials on a possible 10- to 15-day suspension for outfielder Jose Guillen for his reported involvement in the purchase of steroids and human growth hormone …

Dontrelle to the Mets?  No, that's not happening.  Not anymore.  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In the end, the Tigers decided they could afford to keep both Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis.  And just about everyone else they have, too.  —  But at one point during the negotiations …