Brewers haven't talked with Dodgers about Sheets  —  Nashville - USA Today reported this morning that the Brewers and Dodgers are talking about a deal that would send right-hander Ben Sheets and centerfielder Bill Hall to Los Angeles in exchange for outfielders Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier.

Gibbons suspended 15 games for hGH  —  O's outfielder admits to using human growth hormone; 'I have no excuses and bear sole responsibility for my decisions'; Royals' Guillen also given ban  —  Orioles outfielder Jay Gibbons was suspended 15 games, starting with the beginning of the 2008 season, for using human growth hormone.

Nats sign Boone, avoid arbitration with WMP  —  I fell down on pursuing this one, but the Nationals signed infielder Aaron Boone to a one-year, $1 million contract that includes incentives.  —  They also agreed to the aforementioned extension with outfielder Wily Mo Pena …

Could Matsui be on the market?  —  Some Japanese reporters asked Brian Cashman if Hideki Matsui could be traded and he gave them a "no comment."  —  There was a time such a question would have been dismissed.  But Matsui is signed to a reasonable contract ($26 million over the next two seasons) …

Phillies Take 2 Pitchers in Rule 5 Draft  —  The Phillies selected lefthander Travis Blackley from the San Francisco Giants' organization and righthander Lincoln Holdzkom from the Boston Red Sox's organization in the major-league portion of the Rule 5 Draft.

Major League Rule 5 Observations  —  Observations and (often irreverent) notes from the major league portion of Thursday's Rule 5 draft.  —  • Lefthander Wesley Wright was the odd man out of the Dodgers 40-man roster crunch, and it was no surprise that he was drafted in the major league phase of the Rule 5 Draft.

Sources: O's, Astros discuss Tejada  —  LIKE THIS STORY?  —  The Astros have had significant discussions with the Orioles about shortstop Miguel Tejada, but the two sides are not close to a deal, according to major-league sources.  —  The Astros apparently believed a trade was possible Wednesday night …

San Diego Padres  —  Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel.  All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible.

News: Mets select two in Rule V Draft  —  The Mets have selected RHP Steven Register during the Major League Phase of today's Rule V Draft.  —  The 24-year-old Register was drafted by the Rockies in 2004.  —  Last season, in 60 relief appearances for Colorado's Double-A team …

Eckstein could fill Rox void at second  —  Colorado talks to Loretta, might still turn to in-house candidates  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — David Eckstein, the 2006 World Series Most Valuable Player while with the Cardinals, has emerged as a veteran candidate for the Rockies' second-base opening.

Reyes Is Back Home, and Not Going Anywhere  —  Drive along the dusty, pothole-filled road, careful not to strike the roosters or stray dogs, until it dead-ends beside a stone staircase.  Run up the steps, climb over the aqua-colored fence — or, for the less adventurous, slip through an open gate …

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.

A's future may be more clear  —  (12-06) 04:00 PST Nashville — With no deals on the last full day of the winter meetings, A's general manager Billy Beane might have an answer at last to which direction his team is heading.  —  Beane had said since the end of the season that he wasn't sure …

D-backs still searching for a starter  —  General manager Byrnes to continue pursuit of Haren, Kuroda  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As the D-backs front office headed back to Phoenix on Thursday afternoon, they did so with bags under their eyes from a lack of sleep, but not with a starting pitcher …