Option play: White Sox keep Buehrle, Dye, Iguchi … CHICAGO — Mark Buehrle, Jermaine Dye and Tadahito Iguchi all were instrumental in helping the Chicago White Sox win the World Series in 2005.  Nearly 12 months later, the White Sox decided to retain their services.

Padres to interview Oquendo and manager from Japan team  —  As part of their managerial search, the Padres are looking to the World Series champion Cardinals and the Japan Series champion Nippon Ham Fighters.  —  Tomorrow, the Padres plan to interview Jose Oquendo, the third-base coach of the Cardinals.

Nats' Soriano Files For Free Agency  —  Alfonso Soriano took what could be the first step in leaving the Washington Nationals yesterday, officially declaring free agency, opening the bidding among all 30 major league teams on perhaps the premier offensive player on the market.

Carlos Lee, Aramis Ramirez lead latest free-agent filers … Carlos Lee is ready to cash in on his career season.  —  Lee was among 39 players to file for free agency Monday, a list that also includes Chicago Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez and St. Louis Cardinals postseason hero Scott Spiezio.

Soriano targeted; Pat's pact edible?  —  LIKE EVERYONE else in the Phillies family, president David Montgomery gnashes his teeth when he thinks of the St. Louis Cardinals hoisting the Commissioner's Trophy.  —  Maybe signing Alfonso Soriano, who filed for free agency yesterday …

Howard will be a huge draw in Tokyo  —  Phillies first baseman hopes to stage power display  —  PHOENIX — Ryan Howard is already more popular than the cheesesteaks and the hoagies in Philly.  And on a national level, he has ascended to must-watch status as rapidly as possible …

S.F., Texas show interest in Gonzo  —  Luis Gonzalez took over left field from Brent Brede after being acquired by the Diamondbacks in 1999.  Is Barry Bonds next?  —  Gonzalez was a free agent for only hours Saturday before San Francisco and Texas came calling, major league sources confirmed Sunday …

The New Collective Bargaining Agreement - Revenue Sharing  —  Wonders never cease.  Almost two months before the December 19th deadline, management and the Players' Association hammered out a new collective bargaining agreement that will run for five years, expiring on December 11, 2011.

Mailbag: What's in store for rotation?  —  Beat reporter Thomas Harding answers fans' questions … With the Rockies being fairly competitive, how much time do you think they have left with the current pitching to win a playoff spot in the next few years before the pitchers are worn out and we start serious rebuilding again?

Hall Watch 2006- Todd Helton  —  Todd Helton had an off-year in 2006, hitting half the homers that hehit (please forgive the alliteration) 2 or 3 years ago.  Even at that,he is still a good hitter and a fine fielder.  He is now 32, and at acareer crossroads.

Ten Notable Arizona Fall League Performances  —  Today, I will break down five oustanding performances and five disappointing performances by top prospects in the Arizona Fall League.  It's difficult to generate any meaningful conclusions about a player's development only three weeks after opening day …