Marlins announcers make Frick ballot  —  Fans can vote for their favorite baseball broadcaster online  —  MIAMI — For fans in south Florida, they are the voices of the baseball season.  They're recognized and respected for their insights and enthusiasm, putting personality into their coverage of Florida Marlins games.

Japan's Matsuzaka headed to majors  —  Daisuke Matsuzaka, the most dominant pitcher in Japanese baseball for the past eight seasons, is heading to the major leagues.  —  "I feel very relieved today," Matsuzaka told a packed press conference.  "I've wanted to go to the major leagues for a long …

Sox rank first in their class  —  Baseball America says their draft was best of '06  —  Further evidence that the Red Sox' commitment to drafting and developing their own players is not just eyewash, as Jimy Williams would say, comes this week in Baseball America, the trade publication …

Steinbrenner falls ill while watching play in North Carolina  —  CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner was hospitalized for the second time in three years after becoming ill while watching his granddaughter perform in a play.  —  Steinbrenner was taken …

Phillies in Position to Build a Challenger to the Mets  —  Only 100 miles of turnpike separate the Mets from their closest National League neighbors, the Philadelphia Phillies, which should be enough to fuel a natural rivalry.  But in 44 years, rarely have the teams contended at the same time …

Heilman on Cubs' radar  —  Carlos Zambrano and Rich Hill appear to be the only two certainties for the Cubs rotation next spring, so general manager Jim Hendry is likely looking to fill three spots this winter.  —  Hendry will try to bring in one or two front-line starters through free agency …

For Schmidt, it's not all location, location, location  —  The Mets went after Jason Schmidt in trade discussions with the Giants this past season.  They need starting pitching for 2007, and Schmidt filed for free agency Sunday.  —  Few industry people expect Schmidt to wind up with the Mets …

Ramirez opts for free agency  —  Third baseman, in negotations with Cubs, activates clause  —  CHICAGO — Aramis Ramirez was among 39 Major Leaguers who filed for free agency on Monday, but that doesn't mean the third baseman is leaving the Cubs.  —  Ramirez exercised an opt-out clause in his contract …

Coaches Page, Knorr back to Minors  —  WASHINGTON — Hitting coach Mitchell Page and bullpen coach Randy Knorr will work in the team's Minor League system next season.  Page will be the team's hitting coordinator, and Knorr will return as manager of Class A Potomac.

Marlins' Allison in trouble again, faces 3 charges  —  Marlins minor league pitcher Jeff Allison is in trouble again.  —  Allison faces three felony charges — one count for heroin possession and two for possession of stolen vehicles — stemming from separate incidents last week in North Carolina …

Williams files for free agency  —  Longest-tenured Yankee unsure what 2007 will hold  —  NEW YORK — Bernie Williams filed for free agency on Tuesday, and the veteran outfielder must decide whether he wants to play in 2007 or retire after a 16-year career.

Immiration officials go after agent  —  Agent accused of smuggling Cuban baseball players  —  MIAMI (AP) — An agent for baseball players illegally smuggled Cuban players into the United States, eventually shipping them to California in hopes that they would be signed by major league teams, federal immigration officials said Tuesday.

Clemens, Pettitte to file for free agency  —  Both pitchers unsure where, or whether, they'll play in 2007  —  HOUSTON — Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte said Tuesday they will file for free agency in the coming weeks but haven't decided whether they will return for the 2007 season.

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 …