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 …

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.

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.

New Yankees pitcher Nathan Eovaldi hopes to follow footsteps of hometown hero Nolan Ryan  —  Although it would be unfair to compare the only two major leaguers to come out of Alvin, Texas, Eovaldi is poised to have the same kind of career arc as Ryan.  That is, in part, why the Yankees traded for him Friday.

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.