Tough Choice on McGwire  —  On Friday, Hall of Fame ballots will be mailed to the approximately 575 voting members of the Baseball Writers Association of America.  —  Though there are few certainties in life, it's guaranteed that all Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn have to worry about is not whether …

Giants close in on Roberts and talk to Zaun  —  The Giants could be ready to announce the signing of speedy center fielder Dave Roberts on Monday, with infielder Rich Aurilia not too far behind.  —  Meanwhile, switch-hitting veteran Gregg Zaun is among the catchers who have drawn the Giants' interest.

Rangers prepared for Barajas' leaving  —  The Rangers have not been officially informed that catcher Rod Barajas is close to signing a two-year deal with the Blue Jays.  But it has no effect on their plans for the 2007 season.  —  The Rangers have committed to giving Gerald Laird the starting job …

Inflated market could benefit Pirates  —  Team feels wildness of free agency will enhance value of trade pieces  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  As Major League Baseball's outrageous offseason of spending hits fresh peaks almost daily, the Pirates — silent as can be — appear to be no more than an afterthought.

BoSox hammering out deal for Drew  —  The Boston Red Sox are closing on a deal for free-agent outfielder J.D. Drew, SI.com has learned.  —  Drew became an instant hit on the free-agent market after stirring controversy in Los Angeles by opting out of the $33 million and three years remaining …

Financially, not a big hit  —  Why Sox can afford to go after Matsuzaka  —  There have been wide-ranging opinions on the enormous $51.1 million posting fee the Red Sox paid for Daisuke Matsuzaka's negotiating rights, all the way from Blue Jays CEO Paul Godfrey calling it "ridiculous" …

Reporters doing voitng: Write-on, or bad idea?  —  The e-mail inbox of Chicago sportswriter Joe Cowley has been flooded ever since the American League MVP announcement earlier this week, and a few of the 500 messages have included some downright disgusting words from Yankees fans.

Era ends, but will a new one begin?  —  So the Giants are now baseball's new stalking horse, as it happens.  Not good enough to play for, but plenty good to drive the price up.  —  Of course, that's one way to look at it.  Another way is this:  —  So the Giants are now baseball's …

Toughest save  —  Grief-stricken Reardon tries to pull himself together  —  PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Jeff Reardon plunged into darkness after his 20-year-old son died of an accidental drug overdose in February 2004.  His mind tormented with pain, guilt, and suicidal thoughts …

Big bat behind Howard unneeded  —  The question came out of left field, which was appropriate in its way.  —  As Ryan Howard was basking in the glow of his MVP award last week, someone asked Howard who he'd like to see in the on-deck circle when he bats for the Phillies next season.

At home with Felix Hernandez  —  VALENCIA, Venezuela — The noon sun belts out high heat as a bleary-eyed Felix Hernandez drags himself from his bedroom.  —  An entire morning has passed since his first wake-up call, from a rooster serenading him just outside the door.

The gobble gang  —  Time to carve up this year's batch of major-league turkeys  —  Just when you think you've had enough holiday turkey, here comes a second helping.  Our annual Daily News top 10 baseball turkeys, completely basted.  —  1. CARL PAVANO  —  The missing-in-action $40 …