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 …

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.

Steinbrenner Is Doing Well After Hospital Stay  —  George Steinbrenner, the Yankees' principal owner, was hospitalized Sunday after feeling faint as he watched his granddaughter perform in "Cabaret" at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  —  It was the second time in three years …

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 …

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 …

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.

Molina files for free agency  —  Toronto does not exercise option, buys out catcher's contract  —  TORONTO — The Blue Jays decided against exercising Bengie Molina's $7.5 million option for 2007, and the catcher filed for free agency on Tuesday.  Toronto bought out Molina's contract for $500,000.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.