Howard's clutch homer sparks MLB  —  OSAKA, Japan — Perhaps the loaded lineup of Major League Baseball had done so much damage in the first three games of this Japan All-Star Series that Nippon Professional Baseball finally reached the point of pure fear.  —  For, in Game 4, NPB's pitching staff nibbled all night, issuing 10 walks.

Players excited about new manager  —  Teixeira, Millwood enthusiastic about Washington  —  ARLINGTON — Plenty were beaming on Monday when the Rangers introduced Ron Washington as their new manager.  —  Washington spoke at the press conference about being a "player's manager," …

No deal!  Delgado digs in for Met stay  —  It's difficult for Mets fans to imagine Carlos Delgado demanding a trade after the All-Star caliber debut season he had in Flushing, including his first trip to the playoffs.  Delgado hit .351 with four homers and 11 RBI in 10 postseason games …

Asians Give Major Leagues More Options to Consider  —  The season may be over, but this is international week in Major League Baseball.  —  A major league all-star team is finishing a five-game series in Japan against Japanese all-stars; teams are submitting huge bids for a Japanese pitcher …

Nats Sign 21 Minor Leaguers; Paciorek Won't Return to TV  —  The Washington Nationals, in desperate need of pitching at all levels and intent on improving what has long been a thin minor league system, yesterday announced the signings of 21 minor league free agents — including 13 pitchers …

Yankees Pick Up the Option on Sheffield  —  Gary Sheffield reported to spring training in February eager for the Yankees to exercise his $13 million option for 2007.  General Manager Brian Cashman told Sheffield he expected to do so, and yesterday, he did.  —  The circumstances are different now …

Padres leave Roberts in limbo  —  The Padres yesterday told the agent for Dave Roberts what has been apparent for several months: The club's No. 1 priority of the offseason is to acquire a power hitter, even if it means losing Roberts to free agency as a result.

Yanks eye Astro pair  —  Roger, Andy free to pick team & fate  —  Two old New York friends filed for free agency yesterday and though neither Roger Clemens nor Andy Pettitte has decided whether to play next season, the Yankees intend to inquire about both, according to a team source.

Sox close to re-signing Cora  —  Infielder may get two-year contract  —  With the Red Sox' middle-infield situation up in the air for 2007, team sources indicate that they are closing in on a two-year deal with Alex Cora, which should protect the Sox in case of an injury or if their offseason pursuits fall short.

Battle scars: Reflection and recovery  —  Drugs nearly drove former Major League star Lonnie Smith to murder.  The events and confusion of those days still stick with Smith, all these years after he cleaned himself up.  —  kbabb@thestate.com  —  FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — He is aging …

Baltimore Orioles  —  Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel.  All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible.

Offseason preview: Shop swap  —  The owners had things under control there for a few years, didn't they?  —  Times were tight, they said.  Offers from different teams for the same players were strangely similar.  —  Only George Steinbrenner and a few others were willing to step out of line to pay for premium talent.

Surgery goes well for Liriano  —  Twins all-star pitcher Francisco Liriano underwent Tommy John surgery on his left elbow Monday without any complications, general manager Terry Ryan said.  —  Dr. Lewis Yocum performed the 90-minute procedure in Los Angeles.  Twins orthopedist Dr. John Steubs assisted him.