AMAZIN'S PLAN TO BID FOR MATSUZAKA  —  The Mets anticipate trying to land Daisuke Matsuzaka's rights by offering a bid for the Japanese star right-hander, according to a person with knowledge of the team's plans.  —  Matsuzaka hit the market Thursday and bids by MLB teams are due by Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Bonds' act was a big problem for the Giants  —  The prevailing opinion is that the Giants will seek to re-sign Barry Bonds, who needs 22 home runs to break the all-time record, but sources said the club is weighing many factors.  —  Money is only one factor.

RANGERS NOTES  —  Rangers close in on decision time  —  The Rangers have scheduled their final interview for the vacant manager's position.  —  Oakland third base coach Ron Washington will return Sunday for a second interview, and will meet with owner Tom Hicks, general manager Jon Daniels and assistant GM Thad Levine.

Cameron wins Gold, then asks for Baker  —  Center fielder 'big fan' of manager candidate  —  Awarded a Gold Glove yesterday, Padres center fielder Mike Cameron knows who the perfect catch would be in the club's managerial search.  —  "This is my opportunity to vouch for Dusty Baker," an excited Cameron told San Diego reporters.

Re-signing Maddux could become tricky  —  Other roster concerns could make deal for him unmanageable; team declines Gagne's option.  —  Greg Maddux won his 16th Gold Glove award Friday and needs one more to break a tie with Jim Kaat and Brooks Robinson for the most at any position.

Search for 600  —  After year off, Sosa considering return to majors  —  SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Sammy Sosa, 12 home runs shy of 600, said he wants to return to the big leagues in 2007 after taking a year off and contemplating retirement.

Kasten defends managerial search  —  The Washington Nationals likely will name their new manager within the next two weeks, according to team president Stan Kasten, who insisted the search to replace Frank Robinson has proceeded as planned despite perception around baseball to the contrary.

Howard's homers power MLB in win  —  TOKYO — Ryan Howard spent his morning and early afternoon on Saturday playing the part of a Tokyo tourist.  Along with his mother, sister and several other MLB stars, Howard saw the historic Kannon Temple, did some shopping on Nakamise Street and took a cruise through the Sumida River.

Mets target Cards' Mulder  —  On a day Pedro Martinez hinted he might never come back, the Mets expressed interest in a potential replacement: free-agent pitcher Mark Mulder.  —  According to a person familiar with the situation, the Mets made a brief contact with Mulder's camp to express interest …

Morgan, Young are off and running  —  Duo has combined for 24 steals in winter-league action  —  Eric Young Jr. and Nyjer Morgan are making life difficult on opposing catchers in the Hawaii Winter League.  —  The 26-year-old Morgan, a left fielder for the Honolulu Sharks, leads the league with 13 stolen bases.

John wants to be Mets' Maine-stay  —  TOKYO - John Maine had not pitched in a game in 16 days, since he tossed 5-1/3 scoreless innings against eventual world champion St. Louis in Game 6 of the NLCS with the Mets facing elimination.  —  Then came the last-minute call to his Virginia home …

Brown still hot in Arizona Fall League  —  Angels prospect showing talent at the plate in the desert  —  Matt Brown showed he could hit for power and average at Double-A Arkansas this season.  The third baseman batted .293 with 19 home runs and 79 RBIs in 134 games for the Travelers.