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.

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 …

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.

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.

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.

Robinson Congratulates His Protege, Replacement  —  When Manny Acta was en route to RFK Stadium on Tuesday morning — the day he would be introduced as the Washington Nationals' new manager — the man serving as his chauffer, Rob McDonald, the team's traveling secretary …

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.

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.

Vasgersian returning as Padres' TV voice  —  Matt Vasgersian has signed a new contract that will keep him as the TV voice of the Padres on Channel 4 San Diego through the 2007 season.  —  If there's any surprise in that, it's the part about the contract being for only one season.

Mussina deal close, but not done  —  Despite published report, contract terms are not finalized  —  NEW YORK — Mike Mussina has not signed his new contract with the Yankees, though the two sides are very close to finalizing a two-year deal.  —  Despite a published report on Wednesday …