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 …

Discussion: Reds Looking To Deal?  —  SI.com's Jon Heyman reported yesterday that the Cincinnati Reds might field offers for Brandon Phillips, Francisco Cordero, and Bronson Arroyo.  —  We've heard plenty of speculation that the trade market will be more vibrant this offseason than the free agent market …

Chicago Cubs must pursue Curtis Granderson  —  (Kirthmon F. Dozier, McClatchy-Tribune / October 4, 2009)  —  He fits all the club's needs, and Detroit Tigers may be eager to deal  —  On Baseball  —  On the third day of the general managers' meetings at the O'Hare Hilton …

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.

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:

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 …

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.

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.

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.

Trade Market: Starting Pitchers  —  Next up in our Trade Market series, starting pitchers.  Click here to see our free agent market analysis.  Get a comfy chair, because there are about 30 pitchers named here.  — Roy Halladay, Blue Jays.  Doc is perhaps the game's best pitcher …

After search, Riggleman is the Nats' man  —  Interim manager lands permanent gig Ryan Zimmerman wins first Gold Glove  —  Ending their search for a manager right where it began, the Washington Nationals on Wednesday named Jim Riggleman, their interim manager since July, to the full-time post …