Sources: Boston Red Sox making push to trade for Roy Halladay, try to beat New York Yankees to punch  —  Thanksgiving isn't until Thursday, but the Halladay season is officially underway.  —  The Red Sox are “putting on a full-court press” to acquire Roy Halladay, according to a source …

Third time is charming for MVP Pujols  —  Cardinals slugger unanimous selection for NL honors  —  ST. LOUIS — This wasn't an announcement.  It was a coronation.  Then again, a case could be made that the entire 2009 season fit that description for Albert Pujols.

Good call II by Mets on Collins  —  I'm going to give the Mets props twice in the same day?  I must be going soft — or the Metsies, for once, are using their heads.  Bringing ex-Bisons manager Terry Collins on board as field coordinator, a move announced Tuesday night, is a terrific choice on several fronts.

Cuban defector Arguelles attracts suitors  —  More than 100 scouts, agents and executives showed up last month in the Dominican Republic to watch Noel Arguelles pitch.  If the name is not familiar, it's with good reason: He was practically an unknown to the baseball world a year ago, too.

Calling all free agents, you have Mets' ear  —  The Mets are making sure to stay in the loop on the “big three” free agents of this market, outfielders Jason Bay and Matt Holliday and starting pitcher John Lackey.  —  The Yankees have been so deliberate this offseason that their own free agent …

Phillies and Castro agree to deal  —  He doesn't have a beard.  But the Phillies apparently think Juan Castro can replace Eric Bruntlett in other regards.  A source familiar with talks between the club and the veteran infielder said the two sides have agreed in principle on a one-year major league deal …

Could Lincecum file for $23 million at arbitration?  —  is due a large raise.  —  Fortunately, baseball has a system in place for the occasion.  —  It's called salary arbitration, and Lincecum has been around just long enough to qualify for the first time.

Free-agency side dishes (before the turkey)  —  So many teams are sitting back and waiting for the completion of the Type A free agent and possible non-tender markets that there probably aren't going to be a lot of moves in the next couple of weeks.  At least that's what some general managers speculated on Tuesday.

Dickerson plans to be in '10 outfield mix  —  Reds left fielder faces competition after injury-plagued '09  —  CINCINNATI — In October while at his locker to pack up his belongings for the offseason, Chris Dickerson wasn't sweating the muddled picture that is currently the Reds 2010 outfield.

Agent says White Sox show interest in Coco Crisp  —  The White Sox have expressed interest in free agent and longtime nemesis Coco Crisp, according to his agent.  —  “I have talked to (general manager) Kenny Williams on a preliminary basis,” Steve Compte said Tuesday.  “We're going to be a little patient.

Yankees Sign Dominican OF Moronta  —  Nearly two months after Major League Baseball lifted his suspension, Dominican center fielder Eladio Moronta has signed with the Yankees, a team official confirmed today.  —  MLB had suspended Moronta for one year earlier this year for misrepresenting his age …

Marlins prospects earn high honors  —  Rosario, Stanton named organization's pitcher, hitter of year  —  Winning the Rookie of the Year Award is a huge honor for any young player.  But it's also quite an honor for that player's parent organization.  —  So it's no surprise that there is quite …

Braves may target free-agent closer  —  Reliever would be needed if Gonzalez, Soriano leave  —  ATLANTA — As expected, the early portion of the free-agent season has proven to be rather quiet for the Braves and most every other Major League club.  —  Still with the arrival of Thanksgiving …

How Fast Do They Throw?  Average And Max Velocities For Everyone In The AFL  —  Thanks to the Pitch F/X data that is being gathered at several Arizona Fall League sites, we have consistent pitch data that has never been available for prospects before.  So if you want to know who's the hardest …

Braves agree to terms with pitcher Juan Abreu  —  Right-hander added to Club's 40-man roster  —  ATLANTA - The Atlanta Braves have agreed to terms on a Major League contract with six-year minor league free-agent pitcher Juan Abreu.  Formerly of the Kansas City Royals system …

Case Bares Finances of Dodgers Owners  —  LOS ANGELES — Dodgers team owner Frank McCourt, locked in a nasty divorce fight with his wife, Jamie, says he is behind on his mortgage payments and essentially living from paycheck to paycheck.  —  Mr. McCourt's bleak financial assessment …