Another stealth pursuit for Red Sox?  —  The Red Sox, who maintained radio silence before signing free-agent pitcher John Lackey and were almost as circumspect in their pursuit of free-agent third baseman Adrian Beltre before signing him, are conducting another stealth operation …

Papelbon's recurring nightmare  —  Blown save to Angels that ended last season serves as motivation  —  Jonathan Papelbon hasn't forgotten the way his 2009 season ended, walking off the mound as a loser in October for the first time in his career.  —  “I got a copy of it,” he said …

Cust re-signs with A's  —  I just heard from a source close to the negotiations that DH Jack Cust will return to the A's on a one-year deal worth just over $2.5 million, with incentives that can push the total to close to $3 million.  —  So the A's will have at least some pop in their lineup next year …

Mark McGwire one of Tony La Russa's top pet projects  —  TONY LA RUSSA vowed Wednesday to put on a nice show.  —  He meant his Animal Rescue Foundation's 19th annual benefit gala Saturday night in Walnut Creek.  —  But he's as excited about another upcoming extravaganza …

Roundup: Selig proposes global series with Japan  —  TOKYO (AP) — The champions of U.S. Major League Baseball could face the champions of Japanese professional baseball in a regular Global World Series under a plan being discussed by the two countries.  —  In meetings with Japanese …

Hold your head up, Dewey Evans  —  There were 539 members of the BBWAA who cast ballots for the Hall of Fame and I would imagine there were 539 different methods used to determine who deserved a vote.  Based on the results yesterday, some of those methods include large quantities of bourbon.

Webb eyeing rebound after lost 2009  —  Righty missed nearly all of last season, but is confident he'll be healthy again in '10  —  With all due respect to John Lackey, Randy Wolf, Rich Harden, Joel Pineiro, Jason Marquis, Doug Davis and Jon Garland, this will not go down as the free-agent winter …

Buzz: The Mets plan for Pitching  —  Today, I talked to an agent, a person with another team, and someone connected to the Mets, and all three believe free-agent pitchers Joel Pineiro, Jon Garland, Jarrod Washburn and Doug Davis all might end up accepting a one- or two-year deal.

Hall and Beltre having physicals  —  Recent Red Sox acquisitions Adrian Beltre and Bill Hall are in Boston today having physicals.  It's expected one or both will be introduced at a press conference either later today or tomorrow.  —  The veteran Hall, who arrived in Boston late yesterday …

Rumor: “Small Opening” for Damon Return  —  Earlier today there was speculation about whether the Yankees still are interested in bringing Johnny Damon back to play leftfield.  After all, he is sitting out there with a seemingly dried up market that even the great Scott Boras can't overcome.

Ask Boswell: Mike Shanahan, Redskins, Gilbert Arenas suspension, MLB Hall of Fame and more  —  The transcript follows.  —  Arlington, Va.: Mr. Boswell:  —  I think Gilbert Arenas is great.  I love his play, love that he's a goofball, love that he's different from so many milquetoast professional athletes …

Top 10 prospects for 2010: Washington Nationals and Milwaukee Brewers  —  Washington Nationals  —  1. Stephen Strasburg: Perhaps the best college pitcher of all time, Strasburg brings unheralded hype and ability to a Washington organization desperate for a shot in the arm.

Epstein: This offseason a bridge to future  —  Red Sox general manager sheds light on moves he made  —  BOSTON — For a couple of hours on Saturday, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein will put away his BlackBerry and take out his guitar at the 10th annual Hot Stove/Cool Music concert …