O's Find Soriano Is Seeking A Rich Free Agent Payday  —  The Baltimore Orioles, according to a team source, began preliminary discussions with Washington Nationals left fielder Alfonso Soriano , and were floored by the free agent's initial contract outline.  —  According to the source …

With outlook healthy, Sox pick up Wakefield option  —  The Red Sox yesterday announced they have exercised the $4 million option they hold on Tim Wakefield's contract for 2007, after a season in which the knuckleballer turned 40, spent more time (seven weeks) on the disabled list …

SUPPAN UP  —  YANKS MAY TURN TO CARDS RIGHTY FOR ROTATION BOOST  —  The Yankees continue to hear from teams asking about Gary Sheffield, but it doesn't appear they expect to get a starting pitcher in exchange for the slugger if they pick up his option with the intent of trading him.

Rockies eye speedy Roberts  —  The Padres' left fielder could fill Colorado's need for a leadoff hitter  —  In an effort to increase team speed, the Rockies began their serious run at San Diego Padres free-agent outfielder Dave Roberts on Monday.  —  Roberts fits their need for a center fielder …

KENNEDY INTRIGUED BY METS  —  Playing for the Mets appeals to Adam Kennedy.  —  Kennedy, one of the elite options among free-agent second basemen this winter, has spent the last seven seasons with the Angels.  He filed for free agency on Sunday, however, and yesterday his agent, Paul Cohen …

Brantley named new Reds broadcaster  —  Former big-league pitcher, ESPN analyst returns to Cincy  —  CINCINNATI — As a kid growing up in Birmingham, Ala., Jeff Brantley was a huge fan of the Reds and the "Big Red Machine."  And in the days long before satellite and cable sports on television …

World Series Prospectus  —  Looking Forward: Tigers and Cardinals  —  Losing the World Series was the best thing that could have happened to the Tigers.  —  Okay, that's just not true.  In fact, it's hard to think of a franchise whose self-identity would have been more transformed by a championship.

Mailbag: Will Burrell return in 2007?  —  Beat reporter Ken Mandel answers Phils fans' questions  —  I recently heard general manager Pat Gillick sing the praises of Pat Burrell and his 29 homers when asked about him.  Should I take this to mean that Burrell will be back next season?

Buehrle might be on the market  —  White Sox pick up southpaw's option, but is he staying?  —  CHICAGO — Mark Buehrle received a Halloween treat from the White Sox on Monday, when the club picked up his $9.5 million option for the 2007 season.  —  But the left-hander's immediate future …

Cuban Defectors Find New Homes  —  Need evidence that Major League Baseball's revenue sharing is working and that the sport is healthy financially?  —  Agent Jaime Torres said that three of his most recent Cuban defector clients have reached agreement with major league organizations …

Cubs' Ramirez plays the market  —  3rd baseman exercises opt-out, files for free agency  —  Aramis Ramirez exercised his opt-out clause on Monday and filed for free agency, leaving $33.5 million on the table.  —  Whether it's simply a procedural move or an indication he intends to flee …

Monday Morning Ten Pack 10/30/06  —  1B Chip Cannon, Phoenix Desert Dogs (Arizona Fall League, Blue Jays)  —  An eighth-round pick in 2004 out of The Citadel, Cannon put himself on the map last year by smacking 32 home runs across three levels, finishing up at Double-A. He stayed at that level …