Phillies have big plans for Helms  —  · The drawback of an affordable free agent outperforming his contract with the Marlins is getting him to sign another.  —  Wes Helms is going from last season's $800,000 utility infielder to next season's multi-million dollar pseudo-starting third baseman for the Phillies.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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.

Glendale, Arizona announces partnership with two world-champion baseball teams  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — With the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by the Glendale City Council today, the city of Glendale formally announced a partnership to bring the Los Angeles Dodgers …

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 …

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.

Royals GM is waiting to land pitchers  —  Moore wants to get two starters in free-agency, but not until the market shakes out a bit.  —  Moore is looking for two starting pitchers this winter to bolster a rotation that, statistics shout, ranked as baseball's worst in 2006.  Yet, he finds himself in a holding pattern.

Is it ex-Manager of Year?  —  Vote amazes Minaya  —  NAPLES, Fla. - No offense to Joe Girardi, who did a truly commendable job in guiding the $14 million "Baby Marlins" to the brink of the playoffs this season, but if you ask me, Willie Randolph got jobbed yesterday in the Baseball Writers Association NL Manager of the Year voting.

Former top picks on road back to bigs  —  Burnett, Van Benschoten and Bullington ready to compete  —  PITTSBURGH — It wasn't all that long ago that Sean Burnett, John Van Benschoten and Bryan Bullington were viewed as the future of the Pittsburgh Pirates starting rotation, a trio that could anchor the staff for many years to come.

Cubs give Blanco 2-year contract  —  Club may listen to offers for Barrett; Fox solid in minors  —  NAPLES, Fla. — Murmurs from baseball's general managers meeting:  —  Despite having young catchers Geovany Soto and Jose Reyes on the 40-man roster, the Cubs gave Henry Blanco a deal …