Indians sign closer Wood

Kerry Wood is the Cleveland Indians' new closer.

Jays invite Clement to spring training

The Blue Jays signed former All-Star right-hander Matt Clement to a minor-league contract Friday with an invitation to spring training.

Peavy trade talks over

It appears Jake Peavy won't be joining the Chicago Cubs.

Reporting From ... The Winter Meetings

Jake Peavy is headed to the Cubs, or not. Francisco Rodriguez is going to be a Met. And CC Sabathia will be donning Yankee pinstripes next season. We ...

'08 salary increase smallest since '04

The average salary in Major League Baseball this season was $2.93 million, the players' association said in its annual report.

Prominent hitters who may swing it in '09 or call it a career

From Jim Edmonds to Ken Griffey Jr. to Frank Thomas, Starting 9 looks at older, accomplished position players who might play in 2009 or decide to call an end to their careers.

Relief Efforts: Offseason bullpen roundup

Eric Karabell takes stock of each team's closer situation heading into the 2009 season, which will be updated constantly through the winter.

Cubs, Dempster agree to four-year contract

Pitcher Ryan Dempster and the Cubs agreed on a four-year contract worth about $52 million.

Cubs close door on Wood after trading for Gregg from Marlins

The Chicago Cubs acquired right-handed reliever Kevin Gregg from the Florida Marlins on Thursday, a move than means closer Kerry Wood won't return.

Maddon, Piniella win manager of year awards

Joe Maddon has won the American League Manager of the Year after guiding the Rays from baseball's basement to the World Series. Lou Piniella of the Cubs is the National League winner.

2008 MLB Awards: NL Manager of the Year

Check out the top candidates for the NL Manager of the Year, and who ESPN experts would have picked.

...Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria (3) connects for a double the second inning against the Florida Marlins at Dolphin Stadium. Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Marlins 6-1

Padres GM acknowledges ace Peavy likely to be traded within month

Jake Peavy probably will be traded by the San Diego Padres before the winter meetings next month.

...Pujols acknowledges the crowd after hittiing a two-run home run in the first inning against the Florida Marlins in a MLB baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008, in St. Louis.(R)Sept 16, 2008...

Agents look to avoid tax increase on clients' contracts

Looking ahead to the possibility of an Obama administration, some baseball agents are already thinking about trying to beat a possible tax increase for their well-paid clients.