Source: San Diego has talked about Hamels trade  —  The Padres have had discussions about trading for San Diego native Cole Hamels with new outfielder Wil Myers as potential bait, according to a baseball source.  —  The Padres have been baseball's busiest team since the Winter Meetings ended …

Yankees will pay for education of children of NYPD cop Rafael Ramos who was killed while on duty Saturday  —  George Steinbrenner's Yankee Silver Shield Foundation has, for 32 years, provided for the education of the children of New York City cops, firefighters and Port Authority employees who were killed in the line.

Phil Hughes agrees to three-year, $42 million extension to stay with Twins  —  The extension supersedes the final two years and $16 million remaining on his current contract, essentially giving the former Yankees pitcher a new five-year, $58 million pact.  —  Phil Hughes' career was revitalized last season after his move to Minnesota.

Shortstop aims to be ready for Opening Day after hip surgery  —  Rockies reporter Thomas Harding discusses Troy Tulowitzki's offseason efforts to rebound from season-ending hip surgery  —  DENVER — Keeping up with Hot Stove activity is secondary to getting healthy for Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki …

Alex Rios officially joins Royals on one-year deal worth $11 million guaranteed  —  ›  —  ‹  —  In signing Alex Rios, the Royals obtained a right fielder who fits.  —  “Our ball park and our style of play,” Royals general manager Dayton Moore said.

Rocco Baldelli thrilled to be back on field with Rays  —  Rays baseball operations chief Matt Silverman has made some bold moves this offseason, hiring first-time manager Kevin Cash, trading Wil Myers after parts of just two seasons and going against conventional logic by not adding a bench coach with big-league managing experience.

Rob Refsnyder, Jose Pirela have shot at second, but Yankees could nab free agent  —  With Martin Prado gone, the Yankees could feel the need to sign a veteran free agent such as Asdrubal Cabrera instead.  —  So the Yankees need a second baseman after trading Martin Prado as part of Friday's five-player deal.

Sunday Notes: Low Strikes and Winter Deals  —  Last Sunday's column included several perspectives on the strike zone.  Arizona Diamondbacks' senior vice president of baseball operations De Jon Watson wasn't one of the people quoted, but I did address the subject with him at the winter meetings.

Craig Breslow back with Red Sox  —  BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox turned to a familiar face to address their need for left-handed bullpen help, coming to terms with Craig Breslow on a one-year $2 million deal, according to agent Bob Baratta.  —  Breslow became a free agent when the Red Sox declined …