Sox: Nixon in '07?  —  Team may offer him arbitration  —  In a decision that would lend further credence to the possibility of Manny Ramírez being traded, the Sox are likely to offer salary arbitration to free agent outfielder Trot Nixon by today's deadline, according to a source with ties to the team.

Merely Talking to Japan's Best Is Big Business  —  Mediocre athletes rarely leave a legacy, but Hideki Irabu, the Japanese right-hander, did.  And it was for more than being called a fat toad by George Steinbrenner when Irabu misplayed a ground ball in spring training in 1999 …

Sox ink Podsednik to one-year deal  —  Speedy outfielder avoids arbitration by signing for $2.9 million  —  CHICAGO — The White Sox search for an upgrade at the leadoff slot in their potent lineup appears to have been solved by a familiar face from within their own organization.

Insider: Rangers getting out-shopped this offseason  —  Things keep going like this, the Texas Rangers' 2007 lineup will consist of a cardboard cutout of Nolan Ryan, a Jeff Burroughs bobble-head and a pair of Alex Rodriguez's sweaty old spikes.  Oh, yes, and Michael Young at shortstop.

Rockies sign Gil; pitchers a priority  —  The Rockies signed catcher Geronimo Gil to a minor-league contract Thursday, but their focus remains on those throwing pitches.  They have increased their pursuit of reliever LaTroy Hawkins and are aggressively trying to bridge the financial gap on an extension for Jason Jennings.

Small-market teams know their limitations  —  Think of the winter meetings, which begin Monday in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., as a giant shopping mall.  —  At one end, there are the high-end department and luxury stores where most big-market general managers will head in search of expensive gifts, their credit is practically unlimited.

Hendry busy building 2007 roster  —  General manager still looking for starting pitching  —  CHICAGO — Cubs general manager Jim Hendry appears to have both his infield and outfield in good shape.  He'll head to Orlando this weekend and focus on the pitching.

Giants said to be after Bengie Molina  —  With Mike Matheny a longshot to overcome his post-concussion syndrome and play in 2007, major-league sources said the Giants are in serious negotiations to sign free-agent catcher Bengie Molina, a 32-year-old who played for Toronto in 2006 after seven seasons with the Angels.

Mets' odds on Zito improve  —  The waiting continues for Tom Glavine to decide whether he'll pitch for the Mets or Braves in 2007.  The Mets now expect the lefthander to notify them next week, rather than this week, of his intentions, a person familiar with the situation said.

Slim pickins' on trade market for Gillick  —  PHILADELPHIA — Pat Gillick might get a heart-of-the-order bat in a trade, but he might not.  Gillick might find some bullpen help in a deal at next week's winter meetings, or he might come up empty.  These are uncertain times for the Phillies' weathered general manager.

Men's basketball: Monson out; Gophers regroup  —  With the Gophers men's basketball team going downhill, coach Dan Monson accepts a buyout package, and assistant Jim Molinari takes over on an interim basis.  —  Dan Monson was an optimist on Oct. 26 when the Minnesota men's basketball coach talked glowingly …

Selig says he'll quit in 3 years `to teach'  —  NEW YORK — Commissioner Bud Selig told Reuters on Thursday that he will step 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.

Bullpen needs could make Bernie odd man out  —  While Bernie Williams is eager for another season in pinstripes, a cloud of uncertainty hovers over his future.  —  General manager Brian Cashman and manager Joe Torre both have spoken with Williams recently, but they have given …

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.