Big gap still exists in Mets' Tulowitzki talks — and Yankees check in on SS  —  The Mets maintain interest in Rockies star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, but it's clear there's a major gap to bridge in negotiations between the teams, with differences in ideas of player compensation and financial considerations, as well.

Exclusive: Heath Bell to Nationals  —  Alaska is a long way from the Major Leagues.  Alaska is a long way from most things, really.  But that's where I was, a 19-year-old kid from Orange County with a dream to play in the pros.  I'd be lying to you if I told you my plans were playing out exactly as I'd hoped.

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.

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 …

CHANGES COMING TO MLBPA AGENT CERTIFICATION … It's soon going to be harder to be an agent certified by the Major League Baseball Player's Association.  The process is about to change, and though it's been due for an update for a while, the new rules are not without questions.  Will they change anything?

Late Yankees owner began Silver Shield to assist with education costs  —  The late George Steinbrenner started the Silver Shield Foundation in 1982 to support children of police and firefighters.  —  George Steinbrenner, the late Yankees owner, started the Silver Shield Foundation …

IRS to auction deferred Mets contract  —  Darryl Strawberry did the work, but now you can collect his money from the New York Mets.  —  Next month, the Internal Revenue Service is auctioning off the remaining annuity from the deferred compensation Strawberry agreed to when he signed …

Pirates Win Bidding For Jung-ho Kang  —  12:16pm: The winning bid on Kang was said to be $5,002,015 over the weekend, according to a report from Yonhap.  Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review has confirmed with a source that the bid was indeed $5MM (Twitter link).

Reliever Ledezma, infielder Peterson and catcher Rohlfing awarded contracts  —  3/9/14: Brock Peterson hits a single, bringing in Jayson Werth and giving the Nationals a 3-1 lead  —  MINNEAPOLIS — The Twins signed three players to Minor League contracts, including former Major League reliever Wil Ledezma, the club announced Monday.

WORLD CHAMPIONS TROPHY TOUR  —  San Francisco Giants Announce Plans for Upcoming San Francisco Giants World Championship Trophy Tour  —  Presented by Bank of America  —  Tour begins on January 7th and concludes on Opening Day in San Francisco on April 13th

Hall of Fame Voting Primer: My Top 10, Plus a Randy Johnson Appreciation  —  Charles Bronfman was desperate.  Disillusioned by player salaries zooming past team revenue streams, the heir to the Seagram's liquor fortune had put his Montreal franchise up for sale.

Robbie Gould Backs Jay Cutler, Opens Up About Bears' Dysfunction Under Trestman  —  Jimmy Clausen got his first start since 2010 on Sunday as the Bears dropped to 5-10 with a 20-14 loss to the Lions.  —  “I honestly don't even know what the message is, to be honest with you,” …