Phils set to add 3B Helms  —  NAPLES, Fla. - The Phillies are about to sign a free agent...  A righthanded hitter...  And, no, it's not Alfonso Soriano.  —  General manager Pat Gillick said last night at the annual GM meetings that the Phillies are "absolutely" close to finalizing …

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 …

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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," …

A's interest in Bonds heightens  —  Budget-conscious Oakland keeps talking to slugger's agent  —  CHICAGO — The Oakland A's have emerged as a possible new home for Barry Bonds, although the stars must be perfectly aligned for that to happen, said Lewis Wolff, the team's managing partner.

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.

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 …