The Reds, who tried but failed to acquire a leadoff hitter at midseason, are interested in Michael Bourn, according to sources. The Reds can't be considered a favorite to land Bourn, and there's a real chance that his price will go higher than what they can afford to spend. But he's enough of a fit that they are monitoring the market and are expected to keep in touch with agent Scott Boras. ...more

Baseball is in the early stages of testing Kevlar inserts that could go inside caps and help protect pitchers from head injuries. Head injuries have become a growing concern, one that got even bigger when A's pitcher Brandon McCarthy required brain surgery after he was hit by an Erick Aybar line drive in early September. ...more

As crazy as it seemed, even to him, the White Sox were right to hire Robin Ventura. The Cardinals were right to hire Mike Matheny. Does that mean the Rockies are right to hire Walt Weiss? Maybe he'll prove them right, but is this trend really worth following? ...more

With Chipper Jones retiring and Michael Bourn likely to sign elsewhere, the Braves could use an offensive boost this winter. What about Josh Hamilton? The Braves are intrigued, sources say, but with a lineup that already leans left-handed, they're likely to pass. ...more