A few early notes on division rivals, Hall of Fame and Brett Myers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The biggest news to come out of the Winter Meetings this morning involves the Yankees and Red Sox. That's fairly typical, but it's not because the Yankees made a huge splash in the free agent market. A river does run through the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center - I've seen large goldfish and a tour boat - but that's not what I meant. Anyway, Alex Rodriguez has been diagnosed with a tear in his left hip, according to multiple reports, and will undergo surgery next month that could sideline him four to six months. He already had a similar procedure on his right hip. In more conventional Winter Meetings news, the Red Sox have reportedly agreed to terms with first baseman/catcher Mike Napoli on a three-year deal, taking them out of the running for first baseman Adam LaRoche, who could re-sign with the Nationals and open the door for a Michael Morse trade. Napoli wanted four years. He'll settle for three and $39 million, according to various reports. Also, the Hall of Fame 16 member pre-integration committee elected three new members: umpire Hank O'Day, Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert and 19th-century catcher James "Deacon" White, a star during baseball's barehanded period. Yes, he caught without a mitt and a mask. Think about that the next time you reach for a foul ball and it stings your hands. The 16-member committee included former Orioles general managers Pat Gillick and Roland Hemond, and former Baltimore Sun baseball writer Jim Henneman. OK, as for the Orioles, they have some interest in veteran right-hander Brett Myers, who split the 2012 season between the Astros and White Sox. Could be little more than kicking the tires, but he's on their radar - two of the more popular expressions at these meetings. Executive vice president Dan Duquette wants to add a starting pitcher, though it ranks below middle-of-the-order bat on the priority list. He's more inclined to trade for a hitter and sign an arm. Myers, 32, was the 12th-overall pick of the Phillies in the 1999 First-Year Player Draft. He's 97-93 with a 4.20 ERA in 11 major league seasons, including 3-8 with a 3.31 ERA this year in 70 relief appearances split evenly between the Astros and White Sox. Myers reportedly wants to be a starter again after logging 223 2/3 innings in 2010 and 216 in 2011. The Orioles could use another one, and they haven't eliminated left-hander Joe Saunders from consideration. Negotiations are ongoing. Random stat on Myers that caught my eye: His career ERA is 3.88 in April, 3.78 in May, 5.40 in June and 3.65 in July. Myers has made only two appearances at Camden Yards, including one start. He's allowed seven runs and 11 hits, including three home runs, in eight innings. Small sample size. FOXSports.com first reported last night that the Orioles were showing interest in Myers. There also are rumblings here that the Orioles could be a match with the Pirates for first baseman Garrett Jones, 31, who batted .274/.317/.516 with 28 doubles, 27 homers and 86 RBIs this year. He's arbitration-eligible, and he naturally would cost the Orioles some young pitching. Just a little lobby talk as you get ready for lunch.