New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox both shopping for Roy Halladay  —  The Blue Jays haven't decided whether or not to trade Roy Halladay this winter, but if they choose to move the former Cy Young winner, a bidding war could break out between the Yankees and Red Sox.

Beltran confident Mets will be back  —  NEW YORK - While Mets general manager Omar Minaya was heading back from baseball's general manager meetings in Chicago, where he laid the groundwork for the team's makeover, Carlos Beltran was surrounded by kids on a field near a city block in Harlem.

Mets Monitoring Safety of Prospect in Venezuela  —  CHICAGO — Amid kidnappings and war rhetoric in Venezuela, the Mets may recommend that the catching prospect Josh Thole return home from his winter league team there.  —  On Tuesday, the former Mets pitcher Victor Zambrano's mother …

Contract showdown looms for New York Yankees as Derek Jeter enters final year of deal  —  CHICAGO - If Brian Cashman thinks he's got his hands full figuring out what to do with free-agent fan favorites Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Andy Pettitte, imagine what he'll face next year when Derek Jeter's contract expires.

Varitek exercises option for 2010  —  Jason Varitek has exercised his $3 million option for 2010.  —  “We're happy to have Jason back and we look forward to a good year from him in 2010,” Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said.  “He means an awful lot to the organization on and off the field.

Thursday's buzz from the GM meetings  —  The World Series may still be fresh in your mind, but MLB GMs are already focusing on next season.  Thankfully, Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi are on the ground in Chicago with all the latest gossip and buzz.  Note: All times listed are ET.

Cashman, Yankees aren't thinking about reworking Girardi's contract  —  CHICAGO - Joe Girardi couldn't have more job security spiritually than he does right now as the Yankees' manager.  He led the Yankees to their first World Series title since 2000, and his bosses are thrilled with him.

Fontenot awarded ‘Super Two’ status  —  Cubs infielder lands final spot to file for arbitration  —  Cubs infielder Mike Fontenot was awarded the final arbitration spot for players with between two and three years of major league service, The Associated Press reported on Wednesday.

Red Sox Top 11 Prospects  —  Four-Star Prospects  —  Three-Star Prospects  —  Four More:  —  12. David Renfroe, RHP/SS: Like Kelly, he's another big-bonus, two-way star, but Renfroe will begin his career as an infielder, and he projects as a prototypical third baseman due to his size, power potential, and arm.

Braves' Hudson signs three-year extension  —  It's official - the Braves have finalized a three-year contract extension with pitcher Tim Hudson, a deal that includes a fourth-year option for 2013.  The contract is believed to be worth close to $9 million per season.

O's lay groundwork for offseason  —  MacPhail leaves GM meetings, heads to Ariz. to discuss team's targets  —  Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail left baseball's general manager meetings in Chicago on Wednesday and headed to Arizona, where he will convene …

Inbox: How can Rangers keep Byrd?  —  Beat reporter T.R. Sullivan answers questions from fans  —  What will it take to get Marlon Byrd back?  Do you think Mike Cameron could be an option?  —  It will likely take a three-year contract from anywhere between $18-24 million to re-sign Byrd.