Hamilton may go to 1 of these 4 teams  —  INDIAN WELLS, CALIF.  —  We're still at the tire-kicking stage of the Josh Hamilton sweepstakes, still largely playing a guessing game.  But in theory, some teams make more sense than others — assuming, of course, that those teams are willing …

Dodgers new Yankees in MLB  —  INDIAN WELLS, CALIF.  —  Teams cannot be trusted when they say they are “out” on certain players, but the Rangers are fairly insistent that they will not trade one of their two young shortstops, Elvis Andrus or Jurickson Profar, for Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton.

Mo takes big step toward return to action  —  All-time saves leader makes 25 throws during commercial shoot  —  TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — From a distance of 60 feet and six inches, it took Mariano Rivera all of six tosses to scatter splinters of lumber, a familiar accomplishment for the mortal enemy of Louisville Sluggers everywhere.

Rangers making plans without Josh Hamilton  —  (Photo: Tim Heitman, Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE)  —  10:14PM EST November 8.  2012 - INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — The Texas Rangers don't plan to offer prized free agent outfielder Josh Hamilton more than a three-year contract, according …

Davey Johnson planning on retiring from managing after 2013  —  As the Nationals and Manager Davey Johnson near a final resolution for Johnson to manage next year, the sides are in agreement 2013 to be Johnson's final season as the Nationals' manager, according to a person familiar with the talks.

MLB has a drug problem — again … Major League Baseball has a drug problem again and is engaged in discussions with the players' association regarding what to do about it.  The very specific problem is the use of fast-acting synthetic testosterone, the primary performance-enhancing drug …

Indians sign Hernandez, Rondon to Minor deals  —  Infielder Luis Hernandez played 129 games for Triple-A Round Rock in the Rangers' system last season.  (Jamie Harms/MiLB.com)  —  CLEVELAND — Planning for next season extends beyond the big league roster.

Jeff Kent's epic “Survivor” loser speech ...  I haven't watched “Survivor” in years.  But I'm kind of wishing I did after viewing Jeff Kent's excellent rant after he was voted off the island in this week's episode.  There's a lot of rage packed into this 23-second clip …

GMs Assess Free Agent Class  —  Leading up to the current offseason, MLB executives and analysts often described the 2012-13 free agent class as thin, weak, or top-heavy.  Looking ahead to next year's class inspires similar reactions.  These free agent classes are not overwhelmingly deep.

2013 New York Yankees Top 10 Prospects … Will 2012 be the turning point in recent Yankees history, the year where the heroes of teams that have reached the postseason in 17 of the last 18 seasons fade into the past and force the franchise to forge a new identity?

Mets agree to minors deal with C Mike Nickeas  —  The Mets announced they have agreed to a Minor League contract with Mike Nickeas, and have invited him to Spring Training.  —  Nickeas hit .174 with one home run and 13 RBI in 122 plate appearances over 47 games for the Mets in 2012.

Hall of Famer MacPhail, ex-AL prez, dies at 95  —  COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Baseball's Hall of Fame says former American League president Lee MacPhail has died at 95.  —  MacPhail died Thursday night at his home in Delray Beach, Fla. He had been the oldest Hall of Famer.

Reds' Jay Bruce Wins Silver Slugger Award  —  CINCINNATI - Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce has been named winner of the National League Louisville Silver Slugger Award for his position.  —  In 2012, the 25-year-old was selected by National League manager Tony LaRussa for his second …