Drew opts to try out the market  —  Outfielder takes a $33-million gamble with his Dodgers contract to become a free agent.  Colletti says, 'He wants out.  He can have out.'  —  Outfielder J.D. Drew opted out of the final three years of his contract with the Dodgers on Thursday …

Rangers may win bidding for Matsuzaka  —  In recent weeks, the Rangers have been depicted in national and international reports as major players in the Daisuke Matsuzaka sweepstakes — and they are exactly that.  —  A baseball official with knowledge of the process said Thursday that the Rangers …

Nats Stay In Touch With Acta About Job  —  New York Mets third base coach Manny Acta returned from Japan yesterday, exhausted from a long flight and lack of sleep, but still with the hope provided by the news that he is still in the running to become the next manager of the Washington Nationals.

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 …

Sox may pitch their attention at Drew  —  Roger Clemens, Daisuke Matsuzaka, and J.D. Drew — all three are at least currently linked to the Red Sox, though none could end up in Boston.  —  One major league source indicated last night that the prevailing talk in the international market …

Giambi likely DH  —  The Yankees will build toward the 2007 season with the idea that Jason Giambi is their designated hitter, general manager Brian Cashman said yesterday.  That means the team will be in the market for a first baseman, preferably one who hits righthanded.

Marlins ready for GM Meetings  —  With limited resources, Beinfest will be creative in '07  —  MIAMI — With limited financial resources, the Marlins are not expected to make major free-agent signings.  But retaining some of their standouts from this past season remains a priority.

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 …

Friday Bullets  — "The Hip Hop Helen of Troy," Carmen Bryan, is about to publish a book detailing her passionate exploits with Nas, Jay-Z, Allen Iverson and more.  It's due out after Thanksgiving, but what is reportedly an excerpt from that book is floating around online …

TOM DECLINES OPTION  —  BUT GLAVINE MAY STILL REMAIN A MET  —  Tom Glavine took care of some paperwork yesterday, filing provisionally for free agency.  —  Glavine still has not made up his mind whether he will return to the Mets in 2007 or opt to sign with the Braves, so he can be closer to home, a la Roger Clemens and the Astros.

The Buddy system  —  Don't expect a lot of color from Black  —  Wearing the diamond-encrusted World Series ring he earned as a pitcher for the Kansas City Royals, Bud Black stepped onto the public stage for the first time since the Padres made him their 16th manager.

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 …

Bid-ness as usual  —  Igawa cleared by Hanshin to pursue career in majors  —  TOKYO (AP) — Japanese pitcher Kei Igawa of the Hanshin Tigers was given permission by his club to pursue a career in the major leagues.  —  Igawa, who would have had to play in Japan for three more seasons …