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.

Big money an even bigger concern  —  Hicks says offseason shaping up as 'stupid market'  —  ARLINGTON — The Rangers thought that a $27 million bid for Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka would be good enough to win his negotiating rights.  —  Instead, it turns out they weren't even close.

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.

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 …

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.

Cubs, Sox swap pitchers  —  The Cubs and White Sox swapped relief pitchers Thursday, with the Sox acquiring right-handed pitcher David Aardsma and left-hander Carlos Vasquez in exchange for left-handed pitcher Neal Cotts.  —  Aardsma, 24, made 45 relief appearances over four stints with the Cubs in 2006 …

Ex-Tiger Walker to join O's bullpen … NAPLES, FLA. // The Orioles' front office entered the general managers meetings vowing to be aggressive to fill their needs.  That strategy secured one addition to a beleaguered bullpen yesterday and has the Orioles in the running for several others.

A-Rod: I love NY  —  But superstar says he's keeping his escape clause  —  When Alex Rodriguez hugged Gary Sheffield yesterday outside of Jay-Z's 40-40 club, it was impossible to tell if the Yankees' third baseman was envious of his former teammate.  Sheffield strong-armed his exit …

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.

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.

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.