Uggla wins Players Choice Award as top NL rookie  —  As far as his peers are concerned, Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla is the National League's top rookie.  —  Uggla, who set the major league record for homers by a rookie second baseman (27), was tabbed for the honor Wednesday, when the Players Choice Awards were announced.

With bids in for Matsuzaka, hopeful winners wait  —  The bids are now in for Daisuke Matsuzaka, and the Seibu Lions could accept - and announce - the winning offer as soon as today, and no later than Tuesday.  At that point, the designated team can begin contract discussions with Scott Boras, Matsuzaka's agent.

Business or Personal?  Sheffield Says It's Both  —  Gary Sheffield played only 39 games for the Yankees in the 2006 season because of wrist surgery.  He said last night that the wrist was "healthy now," and that he was ready to resume his baseball career in, or most likely out, of pinstripes.

D-backs unveil new colors, new look  —  Four combinations of jerseys feature three fresh shades  —  PHOENIX — The D-backs' new look was on full display Wednesday night as the club unveiled its new uniforms and colors at an event attended by local celebrities as well as team members.

Rangers hire Howe as bench coach  —  ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -Art Howe has been hired as bench coach for the Texas Rangers and first-time manager Ron Washington.  —  Howe's hiring was confirmed by two baseball officials with knowledge of the decision.  The Rangers were unable to announce …

A's clinch deal with Cisco for ballpark in Fremont  —  Sponsorship hinges on city approving a development plan  —  The Oakland A's have reached a real estate and sponsorship agreement with Cisco Systems to move the team to Fremont and name a new ballpark Cisco Field, A's owner Lew Wolff told members …

Indians get Barfield from Padres  —  CLEVELAND (AP) — Just like his dad, Josh Barfield made it to the big leagues.  Now, he's following his father to the American League.  —  Barfield, who as a rookie second baseman helped San Diego win a division title, was acquired Wednesday by the Cleveland Indians …

Reyes ends with a blast  —  FUKUOKA, Japan - Halfway around the world, they still know the "Jo-se, Jo-se" song.  And fans gleefully chanted the soccer-style tune yesterday, after Jose Reyes capped the MLB All-Star tour of Japan with a two-run, game-ending homer in the 10th to complete …

Left Coast is clear for clearing his head  —  LOS ANGELES — Picked-up pieces while touring the Left Coast and praying that Keith "I Hate Baseball" Foulke takes the buyout . . .  What was most annoying about NBC's telecast of the Patriots and Colts last Sunday night?

Hot Stove Report: Talking 'bout Willis  —  Familiar Dontrelle-to-Mets talk begins anew  —  Approaching last July's non-waiver trading deadline with a gaping NL East lead and an aching starting rotation, the New York Mets enthusiastically inquired into the availability of Dontrelle Willis.

New hitting coach wants Cubs in a zone  —  Another Lou Piniella protégé was brought into the organization on Wednesday when the Cubs named Gerald Perry to replace Gene Clines as hitting coach.  —  Perry, who started out as a hitting coach under Piniella in Seattle from 2000-02 …

Integrity, Bonds do not mix  —  The buzzword around The Ballpark on Monday afternoon while the Rangers were proudly introducing new manager Ron Washington was a good one: Integrity.  —  Good word.  Good feelings.  Good vibrations.  —  Right up until the name Barry Bonds came …

LA RUSSA: METS ON RIGHT TRACK  —  Tony La Russa respects Omar Minaya.  —  After being a major-league manager for 27 years, La Russa said he understands the importance of a good general manager and does not underestimate the job that Minaya has done with the Mets.

Glavine still weighing his options  —  While the Mets busied themselves with their pursuit of Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka yesterday, the agent for pitcher Tom Glavine said his client will make no decision about his future until some time after Friday's deadline for him to exercise …