>>A-Rod Injury Highlights First Day At Winter Meetings

(Nashville, TN) -- The news of an injury to Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez stole the headlines on the first day of the Winter Meetings in Nashville. "A-Rod" will have arthroscopic surgery to correct a torn labrum, bone impingement and cyst in his left hip and is expected to miss the first half of next season. In terms of transactions, the Red Sox agreed to a three-year contract with catcher Mike Napoli [[ NAP-oh-lee ]]. He spent the last two seasons with the Rangers.

Texas agreed to terms with catcher Geovany Soto and are also reportedly close to signing reliever Joakim Soria to a two-year deal. Outfielder Angel Pagan [[ pah-GAHN ]] is also returning to the World Series champion Giants on a four-year contract. The Rays also inked first baseman James Loney to a one-year deal. Loney split time between the Dodgers and Red Sox and was apart of the blockbuster trade between the two sides. The Padres are also bringing back right-hander Jason Marquis on a one-year contract. The Winter Meetings continue through Thursday.

>>Deshaies Joins Cubs TV Crew

Former major league pitcher Jim Deshaies has agreed to a 4-year contract to serve as a Chicago Cubs television analyst.

WGN-TV and the Cubs announced the agreement Monday. Deshaies will work with Len Kasper in the booth and replace Bob Brenly, who left in October to return to broadcasting for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Deshaies has been serving since 1997 as an analyst in Houston, where he spent most of his playing career. He was 84-95 with a 4.14 ERA in 12 major league seasons.