Former major league pitcher Dock Ellis dies  —  Dock Ellis, the former major league pitcher best remembered for his flamboyance and social activism as a member of the great Pittsburgh Pirates teams of the 1970s, died Friday of a liver ailment in California, his former agent, Tom Reich, confirmed.

Red Sox aren't necessarily out of Teixeira talks … Red Sox executives flew to Texas on Thursday believing they were close enough in negotiations to complete a deal with Mark Teixeira.  But after they arrived, they were informed that their offer to Teixeira — something in the range …

Braun to play for Team USA  —  Brewers slugger to represent country in World Baseball Classic  —  MILWAUKEE — Before he plays for his team in 2009, Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun will suit up for his country.  —  Braun said Friday that he has accepted an invitation to play for Team USA …

A's eye landing Giambi and letting Crosby go  —  (12-19) 18:32 PST — Bobby Crosby appears to be fading from the A's plans for 2009, but another well-known name in Oakland could be getting a second opportunity with his former team.  —  The A's are poised to begin talks with free-agent …

Sabathia to get $9.5 million from Yankees before season opener  —  NEW YORK — CC Sabathia will receive $9.5 million from the New York Yankees before he throws his first official pitch in pinstripes.  —  His $161 million, seven-year contract includes a $9 million signing bonus …

Norton signs one-year deal with Braves  —  Top-notch pinch-hitter will return to Atlanta in 2009 to help off bench  —  ATLANTA — After proving to be one of Major League Baseball's top pinch-hitters last year, Greg Norton proved valuable enough to earn a return to the Braves.

Jays Listening On Wells  —  By Ben Nicholson-Smith [December 20 at 8:58am CST]  —  Jon Heyman has heard that the Blue Jays “have fielded a few trade inquiries” about Vernon Wells, though they are not shopping him.  Wells has six years and over $100MM remaining on his contract.

D-backs sign Travis Blackley to Major League contract  —  Australia native spent time with Mariners, Giants and Phillies  —  PHOENIX - The Arizona Diamondbacks today signed left-handed pitcher Travis Blackley to a Major League contract, as announced by D-backs' Executive Vice President and General Manager Josh Byrnes.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim win case to keep name  —  State appellate court rules in favor of the team in suit brought by Anaheim.  City is not expected to appeal to state Supreme Court.  —  The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim can keep their name after all.