MLB official: Ramirez might be dealt by Saturday … The Red Sox are aggressively shopping outfielder Manny Ramirez now, according to major league sources, at a time when the slugger's trade value has peaked, and there is a sense among some executives that their trade talks are gaining momentum.

Source: Eaton's three-year deal with Phils worth $24M … Free agent pitcher Adam Eaton has reached preliminary agreement on a three-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies worth more than $24 million, a baseball source told ESPN.com.  —  The contract includes a mutual option …

Hall ballot features era's top stars  —  Gwynn, Ripken, McGwire join Gossage, Rice, Dawson  —  SAN DIEGO — The 2007 Hall of Fame ballot was released on Monday and a record number of buses will be ready to roll into Cooperstown, N.Y., on July 29 for what's expected to be one of the biggest induction ceremonies of this generation.

Yank clubs bat ban bid  —  Hurler brushed back by pol for metal pitch  —  Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina came out swinging against the City Council's proposed ban on aluminum bats in high school baseball games - and immediately caught flak from a lawmaker and a grieving mom.

Jeter great, but Morneau better  —  Twins first baseman defined "Most Valuable Player"  —  Morneau led the Twins' surge into the playoffs.  —  Winning the Most Valuable Player award would not have validated Derek Jeter's career.  His ticket of admission to the Hall of Fame has already been punched.

Detroit Tigers  —  Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel.  All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible.

Pirates exercise Marte's $3 million option  —  Left-hander will be team's highest-paid reliever in 2007  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  The Pirates have exercised the 2007 option worth $3 million on Damaso Marte's contract, making him their highest-paid reliever.

Mailbag: Bucs fans play GM for a day  —  Pirates faithful share some armchair ideas for the offseason … Why would the Bucs not protect Wardell Starling?  Last year, Starling, who is only 23, made 28 starts between Class A Lynchburg and Double-A Altoona and was 10-9 with a 2.98 ERA.

Barajas signs with Blue Jays  —  Rod Barajas will be the starting catcher for the Toronto Blue Jays pending a physical Tuesday morning, his agent confirmed Monday.  The contract is for two years at around $6 million.  —  The Rangers had planned for Gerald Laird to be their primary catcher …

Orioles, Baez agree to $19 million, 3-year deal  —  BALTIMORE — Free-agent reliever Danys Baez and the Baltimore Orioles reached a preliminary agreement on a $19 million, three-year contract Sunday night, a move that further solidifies a bullpen that finished with the second-worst ERA in the major leagues last season.