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 …

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.

New York Mets draw line at 5th year in deal for free-agent outfielder Jason Bay  —  Though all of New York seems to be waiting impatiently for the Mets to make a big move this offseason, they are negotiating at a deliberate pace with Jason Bay, apparently determined not to be bluffed …

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.

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.

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.

Theo Epstein assures John Beckett that he won't be impacted by the Boston Red Sox signing John Lackey  —  Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein, mindful that Josh Beckett might have questions about how John Lackey's signing would impact his future, said he contacted Beckett in the final stages of the Lackey negotiations.

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.

Make it Raines  —  This is going to be about Tim Raines ... but we're going to start with Bill James.  People, of course, have many different opinions about Bill James.  And because Bill is both a friend and a hero of mine, I admit to being hopelessly biased on the subject.

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 …

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.