Josh Hamilton meets with Mariners  —  Two weeks ago, Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik downplayed the possibility of the Mariners signing free-agent outfielder Josh Hamilton, telling MLB.com, “You have to be realistic about how you're going to allocate your dollars.”

Dodgers check into acquiring Dickey  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Dodgers have talked to the Mets about a trade for National League Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey, according to a baseball source.  —  Dickey not only would be a fallback if the Dodgers can't sign No. 1 target Zack Greinke …

Cleveland Indians looking for high return on any Asdrubal Cabrera deal  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — If the Indians are going to trade shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, they're going to try and get everything they can for him.  —  The going price on the Indians' two-time All-Star is three to four players, preferably four.

Source: Giants return Pagan with four-year deal  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Giants appeared poised Monday to re-sign Angel Pagan, their leadoff hitter and center fielder who commanded ample attention as a free agent.  —  A Giants official said that a deal was done, pending the required physical examination.

Chances Rays trade a top starter — Shields, Price or Hellickson — on the rise  —  Expectations that free agent Zack Greinke will land a major deal have made other quality pitchers attractive.  (US Presswire)  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The chances the Rays will trade a top starting pither …

A's in talks regarding shortstop Escobar  —  The A's were interested in Blue Jays shortstop Yunel Escobar before the trade deadline.  He was shipped to Miami, and he might be available again.  Photo: Abelimages, Getty Images / SF  —  Nashville —  The A's came to the winter meetings …

Nationals Agree To Sign Dan Haren  —  The Nationals have reached an agreement to sign Dan Haren, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (via Twitter).  The deal will be for one year and $13MM, pending a physical.  Haren is represented by CAA Sports.  —  Haren hit free agency after a trade …

Espinosa not bothered by trade speculation  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa said Monday night that he is not bothered by the trade rumors that have him linked to the Rays.  —  Espinosa understands the Nationals are looking to get even better after winning their first National League East title.

Agent: Ricky Nolasco wants out  —  NASHVILLE — Pitcher Ricky Nolasco, the highest-paid player left on the Miami Marlins' roster after a series of moves that have gutted the team's payroll, wants to be traded, his agent told ESPN Monday.  —  Agent Matt Sosnick said that Nolasco reached …

Agent: Youkilis' options still open  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Much of the early buzz around the winter meetings involved the impact Alex Rodriguez's hip tear will have on the third base market.  —  But Joe Bick, the agent of Chicago White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis …

Pagan, Napoli deals kick off action in Nashville  —  As the first day of the Winter Meetings — typically a bit quiet with baseball's movers and shakers just arriving in town and getting settled into their suites — came to an end Monday, it gave way to what figures to be a more lively session: The first night of the Winter Meetings.

Thou Shalt Not Run on Johnny Cueto  —  On September 7, 2010, in the second inning of a game between the Reds and the Rockies, Eric Young Jr. stole second base.  The pitcher was Johnny Cueto, who hasn't allowed a steal of second in 61 starts since then.  —  Cueto possesses one of baseball's …