Astros reluctant to deal coveted CF Taveras  —  · Early indications are the Marlins will have a hard time prying Willy Taveras away from the Astros.  —  One of the Marlins' top trade targets to fill their void in center field, Taveras also has the admiration of his employer.

Gonzalez in demand  —  Former Red Sox shortstop Alex Gonzalez has received a three-year $15 million deal from an undisclosed team.  —  Major League sources indicate that the team could be either the Chicago White Sox, who are looking for an alternative to Juan Uribe, or the Cincinnati Reds.

A's set to name bench coach Geren new manager  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — Bob Geren will be promoted from bench coach to manager of the Oakland Athletics, according to a high-ranking baseball official.  —  The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the team won't introduce Geren …

Is Glavine returning to Atlanta?  —  NAPLES, Fla. - The longer Tom Glavine delays his decision about returning to the Mets, one National League general manager speculated Thursday, the better the chances that he will rejoin the Braves.  —  Glavine, 40, will become a free agent at midnight Monday …

Smart money on Yanks, Mets  —  Cash, Omar showing some fiscal restraint  —  NAPLES, Fla. — The Mets left first yesterday, with Omar Minaya joined by his closest advisers, Tony Bernazard, Sandy Johnson and John Ricco.  Brian Cashman spent a few more hours at the Naples Grande Resort …

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.

Washington Nationals Baseball Club opens two additional retail outlets  —  Official team stores set to open in North Bethesda and Downtown Washington in time for the holiday shopping season  —  The Washington Nationals today announced that the franchise will open two additional retail stores …

2007 schedule features baseball's best  —  Cardinals, Yankees, Twins highlight impressive slate of games  —  The teams that played the final National League game in 2006 will play the first game in the National League in 2007.  The Mets are to begin their 46th season in St. Louis against the Cardinals …

Phillies land Helms, expect him to play third  —  He will get a $6 million, two-year deal.  Officials are expected to talk with Soriano's agents today.  —  NAPLES, Fla. - The Phillies have landed a free agent who produced impressive offensive numbers in 2006.

Astros offer deals to Lee, Soriano  —  NAPLES, Fla. - Promising to be aggressive in their pursuit of free agents in the offseason, the Astros have made contract offers to the top two sluggers on the market - outfielders Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Lee.  —  The Astros, who ranked …

Local dealmakers assembling bids for Cubs  —  (Crain's) — Some of Chicago's top dealmakers are readying buyout offers for the Chicago Cubs in anticipation that the team will become available as a result of a takeover or breakup of its owner, Tribune Co.  —  At least two local businessmen …

Thanks to humidor, baseball's climate may change  —  NAPLES, Fla. - San Diego Padres general manager Kevin Towers used to avoid watching his team play at Coors Field.  —  "It's one of the most beautiful ballparks there is, even the upper deck, where you look out at the mountains, but the games were ugly," Towers said.

Baseball owners approve new TV pacts with Fox, TBS  —  CHICAGO — Major League Baseball owners on Thursday unanimously approved television contracts with Fox and TBS that run through 2013 and are worth more than $3 billion.  —  Under the deals, which begin next season, the World Series …