IRS to auction Darryl Strawberry's deferred Mets salary  —  A minimum bid of $550,000 has been set for the Jan. 20 auction, which will offer a deferred compensation agreement of $1,279,000 that was part of Strawberry's 1985-90 contract with the Mets.  —  ST. LOUIS (AP) …

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.

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?

Blue Jays Claim Scott Barnes, Preston Guilmet  —  The Blue Jays announced that they have claimed left-hander Scott Barnes off waivers from the Rangers and right-hander Preston Guilmet from the Pirates.  SB Nation's Chris Cotillo first tweeted that Guilmet had been claimed by Toronto earlier this afternoon.

Twins Sign Tim Stauffer  —  The Twins announced that they have signed right-hander Tim Stauffer to a one-year, $2.2MM contract.  To make room on the 40-man roster, Eric Fryer has been outrighted to Triple-A. Additionally, Minnesota announced that Chris Parmelee, who had been designated …

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.

Who belongs in MLB Hall of Fame?  Daily News voters discuss intriguing names on 2015 ballot  —  Hall of Fame voters (Hall of Famer Bill Madden along with John Harper and Anthony McCarron) discuss this year's class, with a focus on those nominees with New York ties.

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.

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

Cardinals Sign Jordan Walden To Two-Year Deal  —  The Cardinals have announced a two-year deal with righty Jordan Walden to avoid arbitration, via Twitter.  The deal includes a club option for 2017, giving St. Louis control over Walden for one season of expected free agent eligibility.