How much is Matsuzaka worth?  —  Wow.  That was my first reaction when I heard about the $51 million the Boston Red Sox are paying simply for the right to negotiate with Daisuke Matsuzaka and that's been my reaction every time since that I have heard the number mentioned.  $51 million.

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 …

Filling Texas-sized roster holes … NAPLES, Fla. — Jon Daniels notices a distinct difference between these general managers' meetings and his first go-round in Palm Springs, Calif., last November.  —  "This year people aren't writing that 'How is your first GM meetings' story," he said.

Santana unanimous choice for AL Cy Young Award  —  Minnesota Twins left-hander Johan Santana has been voted the AL Cy Young award winner, the Baseball Writers Association of America announced Thursday.  —  Santana was a unanimous choice for the award — the second time in three years he has won by a unanimous vote.

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.

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.

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 …

Tigers agree to a one-year contract with Sean Casey  —  DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers announced today the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with first baseman Sean Casey.  —  "Sean did a good job after joining the club and he was tremendous during the World Series," …

Jake Peavy to the Braves?  —  Also from Jerry Crasnick on ESPN radio, also no link yet: the Padres are close to sending Jake Peavy to Atlanta for Marcus Giles, Horacio Ramirez and Jarrod Saltalamacchia.  This would make some sense: Schuerholz has never been afraid to deal top-drawer prospects …

Manny's market value  —  Manny Ramirez's contract has been the 160-ton weight hanging around the necks of the Red Sox for six years, and Boston executives have repeatedly tried to do his bidding and unload the slugger, despite the fact that he drives in 130 runs a year.

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.