Silver Sluggers a mix of old and new  —  Eight incumbents and eight first-timers among 2009 winners  —  The Silver Slugger Awards distributed early this evening went to a perfect mix of the old guard and new guard, as players with established reputations and others starting to earn theirs shared honors …

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 …

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 …

Jays' Ruiz selected as Triple-A All-Star  —  Career Minor Leaguer's production earns Topps' honor  —  TORONTO — Randy Ruiz swung a powerful bat after an August promotion to Toronto, quickly becoming a favorite among Blue Jays fans with his feel-good story.

The significance of the Mauer market  —  The agent for Joe Mauer wouldn't characterize the state of the catcher's negotiations with the Twins on Thursday, or discuss them in any way, which isn't a surprise.  That's not really Ron Shapiro's style.  We are accustomed to hearing a lot …

LeBron James planning to give up No. 23 out of respect for Michael Jordan, urges others to do same … Miami — Basking in the glow of a victory over the Heat, Cavs superstar LeBron James looked over at his idol sitting in the stands at AmericanAirlines Arena on Thursday night and made a command decision.

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:

All about the high inside fastball  —  What exactly is a high inside fastball?  —  “Well, duh, Nick.  A high inside fastball is a pitch that is high and... wait for it... inside, hence the name.  You don't seem to be very sharp, I think I'm going to stop reading now.”

Rockies hope to agree with Betancourt  —  GM O'Dowd would like to bring righty reliever back into fold  —  DENVER — The Rockies are hoping to hammer out an agreement with Rafael Betancourt before Friday's deadline for the club to decide whether to exercise a $5 million option for the right-handed pitcher.

For Feller, Navy was easy decision  —  Editor's note: Every day this week, in honor of Veterans Day, Page 2 will feature a story by or about a prominent athlete who also served in the United States armed forces.  —  Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Feller turned 91 years old on Nov. 3.  “I had another birthday.

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 …

Hudson agrees to 3-year deal to stay with Braves … ATLANTA (AP) — Tim Hudson agreed to a three-year contract with the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, giving the team a wealth of starting pitching and setting up a likely trade to bolster the offense.  —  Hudson could have returned to the Braves under …

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.

New York Mets eye free agents Orlando Hudson, Chone Figgins as they try to dump Luis Castillo  —  CHICAGO - Trying to rid themselves of an ill-advised contract, the Mets shopped Luis Castillo during the GM Meetings that concluded Wednesday.  Still, despite the veteran second baseman hitting .302 …