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 …

Marlins' surge nets Girardi award  —  Club's second Manager of the Year adds to offseason haul  —  MIAMI — Determination and drive were two traits Joe Girardi exhibited while managing the Florida Marlins in 2006.  —  Undaunted by taking over the youngest and cheapest team in the Major Leagues …

O's make pitch for some relief … NAPLES, FLA. // Two days into baseball's general managers meetings, the Orioles' main goals for the week have become quite clear.  They want to overhaul their bullpen as soon as possible and at all costs.  —  Since being allowed to discuss contracts …

Report: Yankees, Mussina agree on two-year deal  —  Mike Mussina and the New York Yankees have agreed to a two-year, $22.5 million contract extension, the New York Post reported, citing unnamed industry sources.  —  Mussina, 38, was 15-7 with a 3.51 ERA for the Yankees last season.

Mets trade for Johnson, Adkins  —  Swap Bell, Ring to Padres for prospect and reliever  —  NEW YORK — Mets general manager Omar Minaya continued to add to the team's roster for 2007 on Wednesday, acquiring outfielder Ben Johnson and right-handed reliever Jon Adkins from the San Diego Padres.

Phillies front-runners for free-agent Helms  —  NAPLES, Fla. — The Phillies have emerged as the clear front-runner for free-agent infielder Wes Helms, though other teams remain in the mix, FOXSports.com has learned.  —  Helms, 30, is strongly considering the Phillies' offer of an everyday job …

Padres interested in signing Bonds  —  All those who thought the Giants would be the only suitor for Barry Bonds, think again.  —  Specifically, think about Bonds hitting the 22 home runs he needs to break Hank Aaron's all-time record in a Padres' uniform.

Dodgers take step to shift training to Arizona  —  After six decades in baseball's most storied spring home, the Dodgers appear to be headed to the Cactus League.  —  The Dodgers and Chicago White Sox have agreed to share a stadium and training complex in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale, with the grand opening targeted for 2009.

Rays reportedly to get shot at Japanese slugger  —  The Devil Rays may be close to adding star Japanese third baseman Akinori Iwamura to their lineup.  ESPN's Peter Gammons reports the Rays have posted a winning bid of $4.5-million for the rights to negotiate with Iwamura, 27 …

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.

Soriano is a prime commodity … NAPLES, Fla. — Baseball executives might want to clear out of the Naples Grande Resort soon, in hopes that some fresh air and a change of scenery will prompt them to think twice about all that money they're on track to spend.

Poker face: A-Rod says he wants to stay  —  NEW YORK (AP) - Alex Rodriguez wants to play the hand he's got with the Yankees.  —  Arriving at his charity poker tournament Wednesday night, the much-maligned slugger insisted he wants to stay in New York rather than be traded to a town where the fans might not be so hard on him.

Mets appear bit gun-shy  —  Slow to overpay  —  NAPLES, Fla. - Although by virtue of their $38 million posting bid the Mets clearly viewed Daisuke Matsuzaka as a No. 1-type starter, they now appear prepared to go to Plan B for their rotation next year and that is "strength in numbers."

M's trying to find bargains in the free-for-all  —  Look for the Mariners to go the more traditional route when it comes to sizing up free-agent Japanese pitchers this winter.  —  Sources say the team will not bid for the rights to negotiate with Hanshin Tigers left-hander Kei Igawa when he is posted by his club in coming days.