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.

If Mets want Molina, it will cost them draft picks  —  Bengie Molina will cost the Mets more than just money.  He will also likely cost a draft pick.  —  Photo credit: Getty Images |  Free agent catcher Bengie Molina had 20 homers and 80 RBI for the San Francisco Giants this season, but posted a lowly .285 on base percentage.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Olney On Ausmus, Carroll, Prior, Penny  —  A few notes from ESPN's Buster Olney...  - Via Twitter, Olney's heard from other teams that the Reds would love to move closer Francisco Cordero.  Of course, closers are plentiful and Cordero is set to earn $25MM over the next two years.

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 …

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.

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.

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.

Operation Panda  —  SCOTTSDALE — Pablo Sandoval strips down to his shorts and steps on the scale inside the gym at the Giants' minor-league complex.  It is Wednesday, weigh-in day.  —  “Five pounds!” he says, his face lighting up.  He high-fives Giants conditioning and strength coach Ben Potenziano …