The Boston Red Sox are expected to pursue veteran RHP Tim Hudson aggressively in the free-agent market, CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman reports.
"They really want him," a source told Heyman.
Hudson, 38, was having a solid year for the Atlanta Braves when his season ended in late July due to an ugly ankle injury at first base. He is expected to be ready to go by spring training, but the Braves declined to make a qualifying offer on him. His four-year, $36 million contract expired at the end of the season.
The three-time All-Star finished the year with an 8-7 record and a 3.97 ERA. He has a 205-111 career record in 14 seasons. His .649 winning percentage ranks 10th-best among pitchers with at least 300 career decisions.
"Of course, Boston is already very well-stocked with starting pitching, having just won with six guys manning five spots," Heyman points out. "The Red Sox have to do something to make room for Hudson if they could make a deal with him."
The Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Royals are among other teams reportedly interested in Hudson, who joined the Braves in 2005 after six seasons with the Oakland A's.
CINCY SIGNS PENA
The Reds have agreed in principle on a deal with catcher Brayan Pena, who has played for the Braves, Royals and Tigers during his nine-year career.
The deal is contingent upon Pena passing a physical.
Pena, who turns 32 in January, would become the third catcher on the Reds' roster, along with Ryan Hanigan and Devin Mesoraco. Corky Miller was designated outright to the minors after last season and chose free agency rather than accept the assignment.
Pena batted .297 in 71 games for the Tigers last season with four homers and 22 RBIs. He went 1 for 3 in the playoffs with an RBI single during a 4-3 Game 5 loss to Boston. Pena threw out 24 percent of runners who tried to steal on him last season.
YANKS BRING BACK COACHES
The Yankees are bringing back their entire coaching staff next season under manager Joe Girardi.
New York said Friday it has retained Mike Harkey (bullpen), Mick Kelleher (first base), Kevin Long (hitting), Tony Pena (bench), Larry Rothschild (pitching) and Rob Thomson (third base).
Girardi was hired before the 2008 season and agreed last month to a four-year contract. The Yankees missed the playoffs this season for just the second time in 19 years.
PAPI FOR MAYOR?
Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz is apparently so popular in the city that some residents think he should be mayor.
Ortiz, fresh off his third World Series championship with the team, received several write-in votes in Tuesday's election.
But contrary to initial reports, Ortiz did not finish third in the balloting.
City elections officials say 560 write-in votes were cast altogether, but they don't count those not cast for declared write-in candidates. Therefore, the exact number of votes the World Series MVP received is unclear.
State Rep. Marty Walsh got almost 52 percent of the vote to beat City Councilor John Connolly in the contest to replace Thomas Menino, the city's longest-serving mayor, who decided not to seek re-election.
Contributors: Justin McGuire, The Associated Press