With only new contract, cries of poverty ring through GM meetings … Inside the no-frills Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport for Major League Baseball's General Manager meeting, there were signs of tough times ahead for ballplayers.  While agent Scott Boras — who represents Matt Holliday …

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.

Former Pitcher John Wetteland Hospitalized  —  BARTONVILLE (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ― Police activity in Denton County has led to a former Major League Baseball pitcher being taken to a Denton-area hospital.  —  Former Rangers pitcher and current Seattle Mariners Bullpen coach John Wetteland …

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.

Phillies apparently looking at 3 for third base  —  CHICAGO - Ruben Amaro Jr. is not offering any hints about whom he'd like as his next third baseman, but there are indications it could be one of three players.  —  People who have spoken about the subject with the Phillies general manager believe …

Arizona Fall League Notebook  —  PEORIA, Ariz.—After catching all season, some of the catchers in the Arizona Fall League are starting to show some wear and tear.  —  The Astros have already sent catcher Jason Castro home, while some scouts have said Giants catcher Buster Posey looks worn down as well.

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 …

The Matsuzaka Plan takes shape  —  Theo Epstein said the other day in Chicago that Daisuke Matsuzaka would return to the United States well before spring training and embark on a conditioning program.  —  Via old friend Gaku Tashiro of Sankei Sports, here's a little more information on that:

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.

Offseason Outlook: Texas Rangers  —  Next up in our Offseason Outlook series, the Rangers.  Their likely commitments for 2010:  —  C - Jarrod Saltalamacchia - $411K  —  C - Taylor Teagarden - $401K  —  1B - Chris Davis - $407K  —  2B - Ian Kinsler - $4MM  —  SS - Elvis Andrus - $400K

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.