Rangers boost offer, stay in the Cliff Lee game  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The end didn't arrive Thursday for the Texas Rangers in their pursuit of free agent Cliff Lee, as some club officials had expected it would.  —  Instead, there is renewed optimism that they have made the left-hander's decision …

Source: Reds, Jay Bruce agree to deal  —  The Cincinnati Reds have reached agreement on a six-year, guaranteed $51 million contract with outfielder Jay Bruce, a baseball source told ESPN.com.  —  Bruce  —  The deal includes a club option for a seventh year that could bring the overall value …

Nationals still in on Carl Pavano  —  While the Nationals would be reluctant to offer free agent starting pitcher Carl Pavano a multiple-year contract, they remain in touch with agent Tom O'Connell.  General Manager Mike Rizzo spoke with O'Connell yesterday before leaving the winter meetings.

Not satisfied with the current product, the Cardinals are trying to change center fielder Colby Rasmus  —  A follow-up to this post can be found right HERE.  —  The drama continues between the Cardinals' coaching staff and young outfielder Colby Rasmus.  —  It was only six months ago …

Could Gregg unseat Koji as O's closer?  —  The Orioles made a two-year offer worth between $8 to $10 million to free agent Kevin Gregg at this week's winter meetings.  As far as I know, the two sides remain in negotiations and the Orioles still think they have a shot at Gregg …

Hall of Fame pitcher born 30,000 days ago . . .  Happy “anniversary” (of a sorts) to Yankees legend Whitey Ford.  Today marks 30,000 days since his birth.  —  By and large, Yankee legends don't live that long.  Ford is 82 years and almost two months.  —  He's seventh all-time in franchise WAR, with 55.3.

Angels Reach Agreement With Scott Downs  —  The Angels have agreed to terms on a three-year, $15MM contract with Scott Downs.  Peter Gammons was the first to report the numbers of the deal, while FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal adds that the deal is pending a physical and Downs can earn …

Orioles To Re-Sign Cesar Izturis, Not Nick Green  —  6:52pm: The Orioles say that Green has not agreed to a contract, tweets Connolly.  —  4:35pm: The Orioles have re-signed Cesar Izturis to a one-year deal worth $1.5MM, according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter links).

Potent lineup back to future  —  With Dunn addition, Sox could have power group much like their 2008 AL Central champs  —  White Sox introduce new slugger Adam Dunn at U.S. Cellular Field.  (Phil Velasquez, Chicago Tribune / December 3, 2010)  —  ORLANDO, Fla. — Now that the White Sox …

The New York Mets and the curse of Santa Claus  —  Beware, Mets fans: the team revealed Tuesday that David Wright will play the role of Santa Claus at next Tuesday's holiday party, one of the club's most popular annual charitable endeavors.  But like an action shot on the cover of Sports Illustrated …

Sandy Alderson's long-term focus may benefit Mets in long term but could test patience of fans  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Subtlety and patience.  In the overwrought world of New York baseball, the public is not conditioned to celebrate those qualities, particularly in the wintertime.