Giants, Pagan agree to four-year contract

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Giants had two items on their winter meetings checklist, and less than 24 hours after they checked into the Gaylord Opryland Resort, that list was cut in half.

The team reached a four-year deal with center fielder Angel Pagan on Monday, pending a physical scheduled for this week.

The $40 million deal solidifies the top of the lineup for a Giants team that returns most of its 2012 World Series championship roster.

"It's a great feeling to have him back," manager Bruce Bochy said. "He's a great fit for us. That's a pretty big need when you need a center fielder and a leadoff hitter, and this took care of both."

The Giants had hoped to keep Pagan with a three-year deal. But when other teams got heavily involved in the bidding, they ponied up for a player who was their No. 1 choice in a deep field of free-agent outfielders.

With Pagan locked up, retaining Marco Scutaro has become the No. 1 priority for the Giants, who believe their internal second base options need more minor league seasoning. The team also isn't enthralled with the rest of the infield free-agent market.

Yankees – Third baseman Alex Rodriguez will miss the start of next season after surgery on his left hip and might be out until July.

Rodriguez has torn cartilage, a bone impingement and a cyst. He will need four to six weeks of physical therapy to strengthen the hip before surgery, and the team anticipates he will be sidelined for four to six months after the operation.

Meanwhile, shortstop Derek Jeter told ESPN radio that he expects to be ready for the start of next season after surgery on his left ankle Oct. 20.

Red Sox – Boston agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract with Texas catcher-first baseman Mike Napoli, a source said.

Rangers – Catcher Geovany Soto agreed to a one-year, $2.75 million contract to remain with Texas.

The Rangers also agreed to a two-year deal with Kansas City reliever Joakim Soria, who missed the 2012 season after Tommy John surgery.

Rays – Tampa Bay agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal with Boston first baseman James Loney, a source said.

World Baseball Classic – Detroit third baseman Miguel Cabrera has committed to play for Venezuela in the WBC in March. New York Mets third baseman David Wright and Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer will play for the United States.

Hall of Fame – Former Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert, longtime umpire Hank O'Day and barehanded catcher Deacon White were elected to the Hall of Fame by its pre-integration panel. They were honored for their achievements before the first half of the 20th century.

Jurisprudence – Former All-Star outfielder Lenny Dykstra was sentenced in Los Angeles to 61/2 months in prison for hiding baseball gloves and other heirlooms from his playing days that were supposed to be part of his bankruptcy filing, capping a tumultuous year of legal woes.

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