Kabuki Auction: Bidding Intrigue Behind the Scenes  —  Like a toll on a turnpike or a personal seat license at a new stadium, an upfront fee is required these days for a 26-year-old ace pitcher from Japan.  —  The bidding for Daisuke Matsuzaka has begun, and no one knows quite how high it will go.

Maddux wins record-tying 16th Gold Glove  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Greg Maddux has become a constant in an era of change.  —  The slick-fielding pitcher won his 16th Gold Glove on Friday, tying the record shared by pitcher Jim Kaat and third baseman Brooks Robinson.  —  "I'm honored," Maddux said in a statement.

Sox take a flier on fading top prospect  —  The White Sox hope to rehabilitate the troubled career of Luis Terrero, once a top prospect, after signing him to a one-year contract Friday.  —  He has been released twice and suspended twice already, but the 26-year-old outfielder …

Sosa eyes return to big leagues, 600 home runs  —  SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — 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.  —  "I feel good physically, and after a year of resting …

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.

Twins LHP Liriano to undergo "Tommy John" surgery on Monday  —  MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) - Francisco Liriano's brilliant rookie season ended with him sidelined by elbow soreness.  Unfortunately, the lefthander will spend his second season rehabilitating from surgery.

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 …

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.

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 …

Mota?  What a mess  —  Ex-Met reliever could have left MLB on spot  —  Having an 83-victory St. Louis Cardinals team in the World Series didn't excite sports fans across the country.  The New York Mets would have delivered higher ratings, and it would have been fun to watch the middle …

Notes: Rivera backs A-Rod  —  Yanks closer hopes to sign extension prior to new season  —  NEW YORK — Mariano Rivera wants to pitch for three more years, with his final season coming in the new Yankee Stadium.  And he hopes that Alex Rodriguez is with him for all three of those seasons.

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.

I MIGHT QUIT  —  PEDRO: RETIREMENT COULD BE AN OPTION  —  Pedro Martinez raised the possibility yesterday that he is done as a major leaguer.  —  The Mets ace had surgery last month to repair a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder, and he is not expected back to the Mets until July 2007, at best.