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.

For Now, Yanks Stick With Their Farm Plan  —  Hank Steinbrenner has not attended the winter meetings, but his voice is among the most powerful here.  Absent from the Yankees' media guide a year ago, he is now the final authority on matters related to the marquee team in the major leagues.

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 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 …

Lefties Johan Santana, Dontrelle Willis are on Mets' radar  —  The Shea faithful may be giving up on Omar Minaya's ability to land Johan Santana.  But the Mets GM isn't giving up on landing the Twins' ace.  And failing that, newly dealt lefty Dontrelle Willis may soon be available.

Phillies singing a sad song in Nashville  —  Their search for a pitcher is stalled.  "It's been a frustrating few days," Mike Arbuckle said.  —  NASHVILLE - The frustration is evident at the Opryland Hotel.  —  The Phillies desperately need more pitching, but they still can't find any at what they consider a reasonable price.

La Russa does not favor trading Rolen  —  Skipper does not understand star's desire to be dealt  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said Wednesday that he firmly opposes any thoughts of trading third baseman Scott Rolen, but very few of his other comments seemed to reconcile with that stance.

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.

The Schilling clause??  —  ""NASHVILLE - The Baseball Writers' Association of America voted this morning to approve a resolution where starting in 2013 all contracts that have financial terms attached to major awards will not be eligible for consideration for that award.

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.

Larkin elected to Reds Hall of Fame  —  Former Reds great one of four to be immortalized by club  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — There is no debate and never has been.  Barry Larkin is one of the best Reds players to ever wear the wishbone 'C' on his cap.  —  That fact is now one of historical document.

Mazzone waits for good pitch  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. // - One of baseball's most experienced free agents is at his home in suburban Atlanta, hoping that a situation arises in which he can get back into the game.  Former Orioles pitching coach Leo Mazzone, who was fired in October with one season remaining …

Whiteside receives top writing accolade  —  NASHVILLE - All any of us need to say about Larry Whiteside was said by commissioner Bud Selig from his office in Milwaukee yesterday afternoon.  —  "I say this with all of my heart: I loved Larry Whiteside," said Selig.