Okajima bolsters bullpen  —  Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein took a step toward bolstering his bullpen yesterday, introducing a veteran lefthanded reliever from Japan, Hideki Okajima, at Fenway Park.  —  "You can call me 'Okaji,' " Okajima said at the press conference called to introduce …

Glavine Reaches a Full Count  —  Tom Glavine is on the verge of making his decision.  "He's going to make a decision, I would think, by tomorrow," Gregg Clifton, Glavine's agent, said yesterday, meaning that today is the day that Glavine should decide if he wants to remain with the Mets …

Coveted lefty Zito meets with Rangers  —  Owner, GM made pitch to ace and agent Boras on Thursday  —  ARLINGTON — Snow, sleet and ice hit the Dallas-Fort Worth area on Thursday.  —  So did free-agent pitcher Barry Zito and his agent, Scott Boras.  —  The Rangers are hoping …

Graffanino awaits Brewers' next move  —  Team considers arbitration offer  —  thaudricourt@journalsentinel.com  —  The Milwaukee Brewers aren't through with Tony Graffanino just yet.  —  One day after choosing to sign free-agent infielder Craig Counsell instead of Graffanino …

Selig set to retire happy when contract ends in 3 years  —  NEW YORK — Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig says he will be stepping down in three years when his contract ends, content that the sport is in good health.  —  "I plan to retire," Selig, the former Milwaukee Brewers owner, said Thursday.

Francis, Rockies finalize $13.25 million, 4-year deal  —  DENVER (AP) — Jeff Francis was happy the Colorado Rockies gave him a long-term deal that covers his salary arbitration years.  —  "I think at this point in my career, it's a huge thing and an exciting thing for them to come …

Samson's trek to be featured on NBC  —  Marlins president completed Ironman event in October  —  MIAMI — David Samson broke new ground in late October by becoming the first president of a major professional sports league team to complete the rigorous Ford Ironman competition in Hawaii.

Not all smiling over Soriano deal  —  Pact surprises some in baseball  —  Alfonso Soriano beat the forecasted storm into Chicago on Thursday, but his $136 million contract already has created a tempest in baseball's marketplace.  —  Soriano's megadeal set the market and players such as Carlos Lee …

Hermanson, Riske not likely to get arbitration  —  Though they are looking to fortify their bullpen, the White Sox are not likely to offer salary arbitration to free-agent relievers David Riske and Dustin Hermanson by Friday's deadline.  —  That doesn't prevent them from negotiating with the right-handers …

Rockies sign reliever Hawkins  —  The Rockies filled their glaring late-inning void in the bullpen, agreeing to terms with veteran right-handed reliever LaTroy Hawkins, the Rocky Mountain News has learned.  —  The Rockies are expected to announce the signing today.

NO BLOCKBUSTER DEALS FOR TRIBE  —  Attention, Indians fans.  It's time to cheer, in unison: ``Whoop-de-doo.''  —  That spontaneous show of support for the team is in honor of the impending signing of David Dellucci, an outfielder from the Philadelphia Phillies whose agent says has agreed to work for the Tribe.