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 …

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.  —  Maddux, 40, wants a two-year deal, major-league sources say …

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 …