Boras: Great interest in Beltre  —  Free agency is officially underway.  Scott Boras has arrived.  —  Boras was on MLB Network Radio today and told the hosts that in his career as an agent, he has never seen more interest in a player than Adrian Beltre has this year.  —  Of course.

Silver Slugger winners not your usual suspects  —  CarGo, Bautista, Uggla, Tulo among first-timers to earn award  —  There was a changing of the guard among the Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award winners.  —  While some of the usual names appeared among the victors when the results …

Carlos Beltran: Waiving no-trade possible if New York Mets want  —  NEW YORK — Carlos Beltran would consider waiving his no-trade clause if the New York Mets approach him with a deal.  —  The 33-year-old was limited to 64 games this year and 81 the previous season because of right knee injuries.

Derek Jeter, Yankees brass meet in Tampa to start talking about new deal for star shortstop  —  Brian Cashman might have traveled alone to Arkansas for his meeting with Cliff Lee Wednesday, but the general manager had plenty of company last weekend when he sat down with Derek Jeter.

Dan Uggla, at impasse with Florida Marlins, still hopes to sign multi-year deal  —  Dan Uggla just spoke with reporters about winning the Silver Slugger Award, but our talk with him focused on negotiations with the Florida Marlins for a multi-year contract.  —  Here's what Dan …

From the field to the silver screen  —  Royce Clayton to play the role of Miguel Tejada in “Moneyball” movie  —  Baseball has a funny way of throwing perceptions for a curve.  Just consider recent events involving the two teams in the Bay Area.  —  San Francisco general manager Brian Sabean …

Jays thinking of trading for Greinke  —  The Blue Jays have inquired about the availability of Kansas City right-hander Zack Greinke.  —  With Cliff Lee the top free agent on the market, Greinke would appeal to also-rans in the Lee sweepstakes such as the Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels.

D-backs near deal to bolster bench with Blum  —  PHOENIX — The D-backs are on the verge of taking their first step toward strengthening their bench.  —  Arizona is closing in on a deal with veteran free agent Geoff Blum on a one-year contract, a baseball source confirmed Thursday.

How Important Are Managers?  —  Not very, according to my new paper. … Here's an old blog post on some preliminary results from the study.  I really wished that I had written a chapter in Hot Stove Economics on this topic, but I just didn't have the time.

Mets Put Out Word That Jose Reyes is Available  —  According to sources, the Mets have put word out to teams that SS Jose Reyes is available and will look to trade Reyes during the Winter Meetings.  —  The Red Sox, Orioles, and Rays have called to get a feel for the situation and trade talks …

HALL OF FAME PUTS ITS SHAME ON THE LINE  —  In his concession speech after losing the 1962 California gubernatorial race, Richard Nixon told the assembled reporters they would miss him.  “You don't have Nixon to kick around anymore,” he said.  The baseball Hall of Fame this week made sure …