Padres won't trade Peavy in possible Manny deal  —  The Padres will not include right-hander Jake Peavy in a trade for Red Sox left fielder Manny Ramirez, according to a source with knowledge of the discussions.  —  In fact, the source says, talks between the teams have cooled in recent days …

Giants agree to terms with second baseman Durham  —  The San Francisco Giants and Ray Durham agreed to a two-year contract Friday that will pay the second baseman between $14 million and $15 million.  —  The 35-year-old Durham, a switch-hitter and two-time All-Star, is coming off his best season in years.

Competition for Lilly heating up  —  Lefty has received offer from Cubs; Jays still in the mix  —  TORONTO — The race for Ted Lilly's services is heating up.  According to Lilly's agent, Larry O'Brien, the Chicago Cubs have put a four-year deal on the table in an attempt to lure the free-agent starter to the National League.

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.

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.

Mariners looking into Thomson  —  Seattle requests medical files on free-agent right-hander  —  SEATTLE — In their pursuit to add starting pitching, the Mariners are believed to be targeting former Braves right-hander John Thomson.  —  Sources have confirmed that the Mariners have had contact …

Brewers extend offer to Graffanino  —  Milwaukee wrapping up free-agent arbitration efforts  —  MILWAUKEE — The Brewers took a calculated gamble late Friday night and offered salary arbitration to free-agent infielder Tony Graffanino.  —  Graffanino, acquired by Milwaukee in a July trade …

Hicks hopes Zito, Rangers are a fit  —  Rangers owner Tom Hicks was impressed by Barry Zito, who visited Arlington on Thursday, and hopes the free agent left-hander will want to come back and put on a Rangers uniform in 2007.  —  "He's certainly the kind of guy we'd like to have in our organization," Hicks said.

Big Mac won't get a taste of Hall of Fame  —  Mark McGwire has as much chance of making the Baseball Hall of Fame as I do of making the Hip Hop Hall of Fame.  —  Hmmmm ... DJ Jazzy Rick?  Nah.  I can't rap, let alone rhyme, busta.  And McGwire can't dance around the fact he refused …

The Autograph Man  —  A BASEBALL PLAYER ANSWERS HIS FAN MAIL 15 YEARS LATER.  —  Some tips on writing a letter to a major-league baseball player:  —  Begin with the formal address: It's "Dear Mr. Wilson," not "Dear Mookie."  The first sentence should read: "My name is Bryan Curtis …