Phils close to deal with Helms  —  Veteran would be guaranteed $5.5 million over two years  —  PHILADELPHIA — The Phillies are close to signing free agent Wes Helms to a two-year contract, making the veteran the favorite to become the team's starting third baseman.

Now we're talkin'  —  Sox focused on present again  —  If you are a Red Sox fan, there is much to like about the team's aggressive pursuit of Japanese righthander Daisuke Matsuzaka.  The Sox ponied up $51.1 million Tuesday to earn exclusive rights to negotiate with the 26-year-old hurler.

Milledge on way out?  —  Omar could be ready to deal the outfielder, but his stock is down  —  NAPLES, Fla. — The Mets picked up another young outfielder yesterday, acquiring 25-year-old Ben Johnson, along with righthanded reliever Jon Adkins, from the Padres, in return for relievers Heath Bell and Royce Ring.

Clubs kick Jennings' tires  —  Naples, Fla. - The resort trail bridge made from recycled milk cartons dead-ends at Clam Pass Park.  Visitors sink their feet into the white powdery sand and watch the sun shimmer over the Gulf of Mexico.  —  They enjoy the view, possibilities limited only by the imagination.

Sources: Blue Jays closing in on deal with Thomas … NAPLES, Fla. — The Toronto Blue Jays are closing in on a deal with free agent designated hitter Frank Thomas, two sources at the general managers' meetings told ESPN.com.  —  Thomas, 38, batted .270 with 39 homers and 114 RBI last season for the Oakland Athletics.

Notes: Third stint for Stanton?  —  Veteran reliever open for return to Washington  —  WASHINGTON — New manager Manny Acta said on Tuesday that he would like to have at least two lefties in the bullpen in 2007, and free-agent reliever Mike Stanton said on Wednesday night that he is willing …

Bonds may leave Giants after 14 years, agent says … NAPLES, Fla. — As the agent for Barry Bonds sizes up the market for the No. 2 home-run hitter in history, the prospect of Bonds leaving San Francisco for another city is growing less unthinkable by the day.

Center-field job still open  —  NAPLES — The Marlins need a center fielder.  For a moment, Dan Jennings thought he had found one.  —  It was a news photographer who impressed Jennings late Tuesday by sprinting across the lobby of the Naples Grande Resort in time to snap away at the arrival of agent Scott Boras.

Rodriguez Says He's Committed to Yankees  —  Alex Rodriguez spotted Gary Sheffield on a red carpet in Chelsea last night and wrapped him in a bear hug.  —  "Congratulations," Rodriguez told Sheffield.  "I'm happy for you."  —  Sheffield left the Yankees last Friday when he was traded …

Rays win rights to ink Japanese slugger  —  Club the top bidder in quest to land talented third baseman  —  ST. PETERSBURG — It's always good to have options.  And after winning the rights to negotiate with Japanese third baseman Akinori Iwamura on Wednesday, the Devil Rays have added just that.

PHILLIES COVET SORIANO 'BADLY'  —  CONFIDENTIAL  —  NAPLES, Fla. - The Phillies and Cubs were portrayed as the front-runners for free agent Alfonso Soriano by several executives at the GM Meetings.  The Dodgers and Angels are believed to be very interested in Soriano, as well.

O's agree to deal with reliever Walker … NAPLES, FLA. // The Orioles have agreed in principle to a three-year deal with Detroit Tigers left-handed reliever Jamie Walker, according to two club sources.  —  The contract will pay Walker, arguably the best left-handed reliever on the free agent market …

Boston's bid is the talk of Japan  —  TOKYO — This went well beyond a sports story.  —  The news that a major league team would pay $51.1 million to acquire the negotiating rights to a Japanese player shook the nation on Wednesday.  —  Daisuke Matsuzaka, his team and the Japanese public …