Sox decline option on Gonzalez  —  The Red Sox have declined a $6 million option on shortstop Alex Gonzalez, according to a source, but the club still may have interest in bringing the player back in 2010 on a lesser salary.  —  News of the Sox' decision to forgo the option on Gonzalez comes …

Phillies decline option on Feliz  —  The Phillies have declined the option for 2010 on third baseman Pedro Feliz' contract, general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. announced in a press release.  The Phillies had a $5.5 million option, a $5 million salary for 2010 and a $500,000 buyout.

Yanks need to clear glut of DH candidates  —  You are Brian Cashman, sitting atop a baseball empire as vast as Microsoft's — limitless wealth and talent, loved and hated by millions.  Are there any remaining challenges for this reborn dynasty?  Probably not, as Cashman heads …

After getting rid of Milton Bradley, Chicago Cubs have 3 priorities in offseason  —  Finding leadoff hitter, center field and possible middle infielder on wish list  —  Milton Bradley leaves the game for a pinch runner in the 6th inning.  (Brian Cassella, Chicago Tribune / September 17, 2009)

Jays may consider trading Halladay  —  Dealing ace could fit in with GM Anthopoulos' vision  —  TORONTO — Alex Anthopoulos finally did away with the suspense and agreed on Saturday afternoon to discuss the immediate and long-term direction of the Blue Jays.

Padres only open to dealing stars for right price  —  There're probably 28 teams who'd like to have Adrian Gonzalez.  But Ken Rosenthal says the Padres should hold out for the right deal.  Don't get too comfy.  Teams may be willing to deal some big-time talents, including Adrian Gonzalez of the Padres, Ken Rosenthal says.

2010 Top 50 Free Agents  —  It's time for the fourth annual MLB Trade Rumors Top 50 Free Agents list!  The entire list of available free agents can be found here.  —  A note before we begin - this is a complicated puzzle, and I'll be satisfied if I'm correct on a quarter of these guesses.

Rising Stars Game Turns Into Futures Sequel  —  The Arizona Fall League's Rising Stars Game didn't have Stephen Strasburg in it, as the 2009 No. 1 draft pick and Nationals phenom was scratched from his appearance by a stiff neck.  —  Mike Minor, the lefthander out of Vanderbilt whom …

It looks as if Joe Torre wants more  —  Manager is talking about staying with the Dodgers beyond next season.  —  Two days at Santa Anita for the Breeders' Cup, and of all places providing a sports memory of a lifetime in addition to a hot tip that finally pays off.

Inbox: What role will Morse play?  —  Beat reporter Bill Ladson answers Nats fans' questions  —  Is Mike Morse being considered for any Major League role in 2010?  He was as impressive as any player on the team.  —  I see him being one of the backups at first base or in the outfield next year.