Cubs, White 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 …

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.

Devil Rays could move young outfielders  —  NAPLES, Fla. - Notes from the general managers' meetings:  — Judging from their aggressiveness in trade talks, the Devil Rays appear increasingly willing to trade one of their young outfielders — most likely Rocco Baldelli — for premium young pitching.

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

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.