Sources: O's agree to deal with Baez … The Orioles have struck out to this point in adding a slugger to the middle of their lineup, but they are having no such problems in overhauling their bullpen.  According to club sources, the Orioles have agreed in principal to a three-year deal …

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 …

Dodgers near deal with Wolf  —  The Dodgers, angling to protect themselves against the possible loss of free-agent right-hander Greg Maddux, are the front-runners to sign free-agent left-hander Randy Wolf, FOXSports.com has learned.  —  Wolf, 30, has informed at least one of his suitors that he is close to signing with another club.

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.

Brewers catch a deal  —  Estrada, Davis centerpieces of trade with Arizona  —  thaudricourt@journalsentinel.com  —  The Milwaukee Brewers, who ended the 2006 season somewhat nervous about their catching situation, cast those concerns aside Saturday with a six-player trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

In Chicago, the $136 Million Question  —  When rumors surfaced that the Chicago Cubs had signed Alfonso Soriano to an eight-year, $136 million contract, reporters ran to General Manager Jim Hendry for confirmation.  Were the Cubs really going to be that ... aggressive?  —  "We won 66 ballgames," Hendry told them.

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.

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.

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 …

Astros' signings may steer Andy  —  The Houston Astros had as active a Black Friday as any ardent shopper yesterday without setting foot in a mall, signing outfielder Carlos Lee and righthanded starter Woody Williams, moves that may have an impact on the Yankees' hopes of landing old pal Andy Pettitte.

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.

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.