At Lipscomb University, which is across town from the annual baseball conclave, Major League Baseball on Tuesday evening put its prestige behind an RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) fundraiser and clinic.

We begin this analysis of the Washington Nationals with a few words from the manager. “World Series or bust,” Davey Johnson said on Tuesday at the Winter Meetings.

Jon Daniels expects to meet with Josh Hamilton’s agent soon, but for now he’s operating under the assumption that Hamilton is still testing the market.

Through Day 2 of the annual gathering of baseball’s brain trusts at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn., it’s evident that free-agent markets are starting to line up.

The Dodgers made a long-term offer to Korean pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin on Tuesday, but it was rejected by agent Scott Boras. “Predictably, it fell a tad short,” said general manager Ned Colletti.

John Farrell maintains he was always open and honest with the Blue Jays’ front office about his desire to one day return to Boston.

Alex Rodriguez’s left hip surgery could require four to six months for recovery, forcing manager Joe Girardi and the Yankees to move forward with a big hole to fill at third base.

The Nationals seem to be betting that Dan Haren’s down year resulted from a two-month slump, rather than the beginning of a decline phase. If they’re right, they got quite a bargain on Tuesday.

Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik continued pursuing every available avenue to improve his club’s offense Tuesday at the Winter Meetings and his agenda included a sitdown with agent Scott Boras, whose top available client is free-agent center fielder Michael Bourn.

It has been assumed that the Rays will trade a starter, but they did not on Tuesday, instead sending Minor Leaguer Derek Dietrich to Miami for Yunel Escobar.

The Winter Meetings often create enough buzz to rattle dishes around the world. But the results of the event don’t always create lasting winners.

The notion that Zack Greinke isn’t emotionally equipped to pitch for a big-market club, such as the Dodgers, seems either arbitrary or basically incorrect.

Things are different in Baltimore this year, as the Orioles try to improve on their breakout 93-win campaign. But where do they go for an encore?

Hall of Famer Robin Yount shot Cubs manager Dale Sveum in the right ear and back while the two were quail hunting this winter in Arizona.

Wary of attracting unwanted attention, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson held a clandestine meeting Monday evening with Bo McKinnis, the agent for R.A. Dickey. In a parking lot outside the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, amidst a sea of valet attendants and exhaust fumes, the two discussed a contract extension. They also discussed the possibility of a trade.

The Cubs are expected to complete the agreement with Japanese pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa on Friday. The right-hander has reportedly agreed to a two-year, $9.5 million contract, which includes vesting options valued at $5.5 million or $6 million, to be determined by games finished.

As the Winter Meetings plowed on Tuesday, it appeared realistic that free-agent outfielder Ryan Ludwick could return to the Reds.