MLB: Maddux, Glavine, Thomas on Hall of Fame ballot

Four-time Cy Young Award winner Greg Maddux, two-time winner Tom Glavine and two-time AL MVP Frank Thomas are among 19 newcomers on this year's Hall of Fame ballot, joining steroid-tainted holdovers Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa.

Mike Mussina, Hideo Nomo, Kenny Rogers, Jeff Kent, Moises Alou and Luis Gonzalez also are among players eligible the first time by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

Voters are the approximately 600 writers who have been members of the BBWAA for 10 consecutive years at any point. Ballots are due by Dec. 31, and results will be announced Jan. 8.

Players elected along with choices announced Dec. 9 by the expansion era committee (1973 and later) will be inducted July 27 at Cooperstown. Among those on the committee ballot are retired managers Bobby Cox, Tony La Russa and Joe Torre; late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner; and late players' union head Marvin Miller. Last year, the BBWAA failed for the first time since 1996 to produce any inductees. Craig Biggio came closest to receiving the necessary 75 percent, falling 39 shy with 388 (68.2 percent).

Jack Morris, who will be on the ballot for the final time this year, was second with 67.7 percent.

Around the majors

Yankees • A person familiar with the negotiations says representatives for free-agent second baseman Robinson Cano met Tuesday with New York, and the gap between the sides remains wide. Cano, a five-time All-Star, did not attend.

Angels • Free agent right-hander Joe Smith could finalize his $15.75 million, three-year contract with Los Angeles before Thanksgiving,.