Dodgers outfielder Drew opts out of contract  —  LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder J.D. Drew opted out of the final three years of his contract Thursday, making him eligible to become a free agent.  —  "He led the club in RBIs.  You just don't snap your fingers and find another player like that …

Just say SoriaNO  —  I HAVE COME to praise Alfonso Soriano, not to bury him.  He is a special player with special skills.  He is also a flawed player with special flaws.  —  In his first season in leftfield - he had to be dragged there kicking and screaming - Soriano was ranked No. 3 among …

Nats likely to build from within in '07  —  Club not expected to pursue big-name free agents this winter  —  WASHINGTON — For the second consecutive year, the Nationals finished fifth in the National League East.  This time, pitching and a lack of defense and fundamentals were the reasons the team lost 91 games in 2006.

Cardinals close to bringing back Edmonds  —  The World Series champion Cardinals, facing a deadline to decide on Jim Edmonds' future, are close to signing the center fielder to a two-year contract, FOXSports.com has learned.  —  Edmonds' average salary in the deal is expected to be comparable …

Yankees insisting that Steinbrenner is in good health  —  NEW YORK — Yankees officials insisted George Steinbrenner was in good health, a day after Gary Sheffield said his future with New York would be secure if the owner's condition was better.  —  Steinbrenner fainted last month …

No big hike in payroll likely for 2007  —  Alfonso Soriano won't get the free-agent money he's looking for from the Florida Marlins.  You can bank on the Marlins not having the high bid in the Daisuke Matsuzaka posting process either.  —  In spite of a 2006 team that performed better than most anticipated …

Cubs' Miller back with 1-year deal  —  Incentives could bring up to $5.25 million  —  The Wade Miller experiment will continue one more year, though the Cubs hope to get a better return on their investment in 2007.  —  Miller, a 30-year-old right-hander, agreed to a one-year …

Crede decides against back surgery  —  Sox medical staff given top honor by Baseball Prospectus  —  CHICAGO — When questioned on the final day of the 2006 regular season, Joe Crede seemed to be leaning toward offseason rehab over microsurgery to strengthen two herniated discs in his back.

Reds release updated ticket info  —  Slight changes to pricing in advance of sales open  —  CINCINNATI — Ticket prices for the Reds' 2007 home schedule at Great American Ball Park were revealed on Thursday, with some changes from the 2006 season.  —  Outer view level seats will remain …

Tigers name Lloyd McClendon hitting coach  —  DETROIT - Former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon was named hitting coach of the Detroit Tigers on Thursday.  —  McClendon, who last year served as Detroit's bullpen coach, replaces Don Slaught, another former Pirate who six days ago announced …

Rangers focused on pair of needs  —  Two veteran starting pitchers, center fielder on Texas' wish list  —  ARLINGTON — The Rangers are ready and willing to go with a 2007 lineup that includes Brad Wilkerson in left field, Nelson Cruz in right field and Gerald Laird as their No. 1 catcher.