Comparatively speaking . . .  It remains to be seen whose roster — the Red Sox' or Yankees' — is better, but in terms of who has significant players heading into their prime years, the acquisitions of 28-year-old Adrian Gonzalez and 29-year-old Carl Crawford seem to put Boston in a better position for the next few years.

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 …

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 …

Rule Five Wrap-Up  —  Just some quick notes from this morning's rule five draft.  I'll have more detailed reports on many of these players in a Ten Pack on Monday with my prediction of the selections most likely to stick.  — Pirates: Josh Rodriguez, UT (from Cleveland) …

Tampa Bay Rays excited for Carl Crawford, but disappointed he'll end up in Boston  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA — For a day they knew was coming and an outcome that had been oft-speculated, the Rays still took the news a bit like a high-and-tight fastball that Carl Crawford wasn't just leaving, but going to the rival Red Sox.

Small victories rather than big wins for Dodgers at winter meetings  —  General Manager Ned Colletti is generally pleased with the outcome of the meetings, which includes one-year deals with Vicente Padilla, Tony Gwynn Jr. and Dioner Navarro.  —  Starting pitcher Vicente Padilla has been re-signed …

Strasburg's goal: “Best shape of my life”  —  Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg is rehabilitating on schedule from Tommy John surgery in early September.  Strasburg is in good spirits and says he is one or two months away from baseball activities.  —  “They have a plan in place that is normal …

Twins Would Consider Trading Slowey  —  The Twins would consider trading Kevin Slowey - especially if they re-sign Carl Pavano - reports Joel Sherman of the New York Post.  Sherman says the Twins have actually received inquiries on ace Francisco Liriano from the Yankees and others, but a team official can't imagine moving the lefty.

Not satisfied with the current product, the Cardinals are trying to change center fielder Colby Rasmus  —  The drama continues between the Cardinals' coaching staff and young outfielder Colby Rasmus.  —  It was only six months ago that the now 24-year-old Rasmus requested a trade away …

Piecoro on Upton: D-Backs Dilemma  —  Justin Upton was still a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks as the Winter Meetings came to a close earlier today, which isn't too much of a surprise.  But a few short weeks ago, the odds of the talented yet enigmatic outfielder changing teams in Orlando were anything but a long shot.

2010 Rule 5 Draft results … The following are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball entities and may be used only with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. or the relevant Major League Baseball entity: Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB …

Twins opt for speed, deal Hardy for O's hurlers  —  Casilla, Nishioka likely double-play combo; Harris also traded  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Twins have said throughout the offseason that one of their goals has been to add speed to their lineup, and the one area where they felt they could do that was in the middle infield.

Mariners Reach Agreement With Miguel Olivo  —  The Mariners won't be going young at catcher anytime soon.  Today they reached an agreement with backstop Miguel Olivo on a two-year, $7MM deal, tweets Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.  Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times notes, “Adam Moore's stock with this team appears to have taken a hit.”