Report: Braves land closer Billy Wagner  —  The Braves didn't even bother waiting until they lost their free-agent closers before reportedly reeling in a highly accomplished replacement - veteran fireballer Billy Wagner.  —  Wagner, who ranks sixth in major league history with 385 saves …

Yanks elect not to offer arbitration to trio  —  No compensation for club if Damon, others sign elsewhere  —  The Yankees announced Tuesday that they will not offer arbitration to any of their eligible players by Tuesday night's deadline, meaning the club will not receive Draft pick compensation if any of the players sign elsewhere.

Tommy Henrich, Yankees Clutch Hitter, Dies at 96  —  Tommy Henrich, the right fielder known as Old Reliable who helped propel the Yankees to seven World Series championships, died on Tuesday in Dayton, Ohio.  He was 96.  —  His death was announced by the Yankees.

Halladay will block in-season trades  —  Wants move done by spring or he's staying in Toronto for '10  —  TORONTO — It became apparent in July that Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay grew tired of being the center of a month-long media circus that detailed the pitcher's every move …

Derek Jeter gave Brian Cashman input on New York Yankees' player moves  —  Derek Jeter won't need to work when his playing days are over, but if he is interested in a future as a general manager, he's getting some good on-the-job training.  —  Jeter danced around questions …

Girardi teaches Jets QB how to slide  —  Yanks skipper happy to help Sanchez during practice  —  Yankees manager Joe Girardi lent a helping hand to the Jets on Tuesday, when he helped teach quarterback Mark Sanchez how to properly slide during a team meeting.

Roberto Alomar's brilliance still on display  —  You say you are young, and didn't see Roberto Alomar play?  —  No problem.  You get a chance to witness the brilliance of Roberto Alomar just about every night on a major league baseball field, when infielders make plays that Alomar all but invented and popularized.

Gilbert the frontrunner to buy Rangers … Former baseball superagent Dennis Gilbert and his ownership group have emerged in recent days as the surprise frontrunner to buy the Texas Rangers, SI has learned.  —  The deal is not believed finalized yet, but the winning bid is expected to be …

Cleveland Indians trade Kelly Shoppach to Tampa Bay for player to be named … CLEVELAND, Ohio — First his teammates were traded.  Then his manager and coaching staff were fired.  —  Catcher Kelly Shoppach knew it would eventually be his turn.  —  Tuesday, the Indians traded Shoppach to Tampa Bay for a player to be named.

Fehr, now enjoying a slice of the retired life, discusses career  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Donald Fehr, executive director of the Major League players association the last 26 years, spent his first day of retirement Tuesday in the emergency room.  He sliced his left thumb cutting a grapefruit …

Dodgers won't offer arbitration to seven  —  LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers, wanting no part of an unexpected expensive salary, will not offer arbitration to any of their seven ranking free agents by Tuesday night's deadline, meaning the club will not be entitled to Draft pick compensation if any of the players sign elsewhere.

Brewers GM ready for market to open  —  Crew looks for pitching at next week's Winter Meetings  —  MILWAUKEE — Last year, Brewers general manager Doug Melvin reported to the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas focused on one pitcher: CC Sabathia.  He will travel to this year's gathering in Indianapolis with a much wider net.

Sox will exhaust shortstop options before Pedroia  —  While there has been internal discussions about Dustin Pedroia moving to shortstop it would not happen unless the Red Sox exhausted every avenue to acquire a shortstop through free-agency or trade, a team source said this afternoon.

Mariners Targeting Gregg Zaun  —  Gregg Zaun was offered arbitration by Tampa Bay today, but the free agent catcher has at least one serious suitor in the Seattle Mariners.  Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports report that the M's are looking to sign Zaun as a veteran platoon mate for prospect Adam Moore.

Bill Belichick, on a potential reunion with Charlie Weis: “It's not anything that is on the front burner at all.”  —  Yesterday morning, Charlie Weis was fired as Notre Dame's coach.  Perhaps you heard.  —  The former Patriots offensive coordinator had a disastrous tenure with the Fighting Irish …