Sources: Orioles jump into Holliday sweepstakes  —  The Cardinals are not the only team pursuing free-agent left fielder Matt Holliday.  —  The Orioles have jumped into the bidding, though both the seriousness of their efforts and Holliday's desire to play in Baltimore are in question, major-league sources say.

Yankees talk to Johnson about vacant DH role  —  The Yankees and Nick Johnson are talking about the sweet-swinging lefty and on-base machine replacing Hideki Matsui as the World Champions' DH on a one-year deal.  —  If a deal is completed, it would be an indication the Yankees will part with Johnny Damon …

Aroldis Chapman awaits offers  —  On the surface, Aroldis Chapman's 30-minute workout on Tuesday for about 15 teams appeared to have accomplished very little.  Because of bad weather, the workout took place indoors at the Baseball USA complex in Houston.  Chapman wore sneakers for his bullpen session.

Dodgers exploring a deal for Aaron Harang  —  The Dodgers have started exploring a possible trade with the Cincinnati Reds for pitcher Aaron Harang, according to multiple baseball sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the talks.

Morning links: Clement's job to lose  —  Although the development that the Pirates are eyeing Kelly Johnson hardly is seismic, it does raise this possibility that some might find noteworthy: No matter who the Pirates get — if anyone — for that right field/first base role, it might be no more than a safety valve.

Padres' Gonzalez is hot trade topic  —  Speculation surrounding All-Star first baseman, Red Sox  —  SAN DIEGO — After a respite at the Winter Meetings last week, when Adrian Gonzalez's name was scarcely mentioned, the Padres' All-Star first baseman is once again a hot topic.

The Second Base Glut  —  Last year, bad defensive outfielders got a rude awakening in free agency, as Adam Dunn, Pat Burrell, and Bobby Abreu learned first hand that teams were beginning to value defense at positions besides catcher and shortstop.  There were too many lumbering sluggers available …

2009 Sporting News Pro Athlete of the Year: Mariano Rivera, Yankees closer  —  It was a long time coming, but Mariano Rivera finally has his fifth ring.  —  On a team full of superstars, Yankees closer Mariano Rivera went about his usual way in 2009, dominating opponents and helping New York claim its 27th World Series.

Dodgers land versatile Carroll  —  Right-handed hitter expects to back up second, third base  —  LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers bolstered their second-base situation by agreeing to a two-year contract with versatile infielder Jamey Carroll, pending a physical examination, agent Jonathan Maurer confirmed Wednesday.

A-Rod's hip holding up; no more surgery needed … NEW YORK (AP) — Alex Rodriguez is all set to start his winter workouts.  —  The New York Yankees star found out this week that his surgically repaired right hip is holding up fine.  —  Rodriguez missed the first month of the season after Dr. Marc Philippon operated on him.

Godzilla Rocks Southern California  —  WHAT'S YOUR REACTION?  —  There's a line about Godzilla in the 1998 Hollywood remake that goes: “He's not some monster trying to evade you... If you find what he wants, then he'll come to you.”  This week baseball's Godzilla found the contract he wanted …

Courting the Hall of Fame voters  —  Among the Pottery Barn/REI/Harry and David catalogues, magazines, phone bills, Christmas cards (would it kill people to write a brief note along with the photo of the kids?), charity solicitations and supermarket circulars swelling my mailbox this past weekend …