Vote for your favorite MLB broadcaster  —  Final vote-getter to receive prestigious Ford C. Frick Award  —  Fans with a keen ear for the sounds that emanate from baseball's broadcast booths will have a chance to put their favorite announcers in position to be honored by the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

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 …

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 …

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 …

Yankees not ruling out moving A-Rod  —  The Yankees aren't ruling out a blockbuster involving third baseman Alex Rodriguez, according to major-league sources.  The impetus for a deal, however, would need to come from Rodriguez and his agent, Scott Boras, both of whom say A-Rod isn't going anywhere.

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

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.