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.

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.

McCarthy not likely to pitch in relief  —  White Sox general manager indicates right-hander will start  —  CHICAGO — The Brandon McCarthy bullpen experiment apparently will not be revisited during the 2007 season, judging by comments White Sox general manager Ken Williams recently made on the topic to MLB.com.

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.

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 …

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.

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.

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.

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 …

Scoop Jackson And (Someone Else's) Orange Roundie  —  Let's say, hypothetically speaking, that, oh, Mike Lupica wrote a story for Esquire in which he discussed a concept he had discovered "on the Internet" called "The Ewing Theory."  He then wrote a whole 4,000-word piece in which he borrowed heavily …

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.