This is the December 4, 2012 news archive. View today's AL Central news and rumors.

AL Central News and Rumors

Source: Victorino, Red Sox near $39M, 3-yr deal

CNNSI.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Free agent outfielder Shane Victorino and the Boston Red Sox are close to completing a three-year deal worth $39 million, a person familiar with the talks told The Associated Press on Tuesday

Rhett Bollinger, MLB.com

The 2013 season is an important one for Twins manager Ron Gardenhire. Gardenhire has just one year left on his contract after telling general manager Terry Ryan he wasn't deserving of an extension after the club finished with the worst record in the Ame…

MLB.com

Although manager Ned Yost keeps talking about the Royals hitting more home runs next year, that doesn't seem to stop speculation about a trade involving his top home-run hitter, Billy Butler.

Lyle Spencer, MLB.com

D-backs manager and former World Series hero Kirk Gibson is not shy about the fact he believes former Tigers teammates Jack Morris and Alan Trammell belong in the Hall of Fame.

Dick Kaegel, MLB.com

Royals DH Billy Butler was named the winner of the 2012 Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award on Tuesday. And it wasn't even close. Butler got 80 first-place votes among the 84 ballots cast.

grantland.com

News and notes as we roll into Day 2 of the Winter Meetings ... • The Rangers signed former Royals closer Joakim Soria to a two-year, $8 mil...