M's close to signing Jose Guillen  —  Looks like the Mariners have gotten the memo - one year gambles are a good way to go in a market when everyone else is committing away a roster spot for half a decade or more.  —  Both the Nationals writer for MLB.com and Corey Brock are reporting …

Roberts, Aurilia reach agreements with Giants … Free agent infielder Rich Aurilia has reached preliminary agreement on a two-year deal for about $8 million with the San Francisco Giants, according to a baseball source.  The contract is conditional upon Aurilia passing a physical exam this weekend.

Rangers interested in signing Piazza  —  Texas looking to add the All-Star backstop as designated hitter  —  ARLINGTON — The Rangers are showing serious interest in free-agent catcher Mike Piazza, Major League officials confirmed on Saturday.  —  The Rangers' interest in Piazza …

Glavine picks Mets a second time  —  Ex-Brave says Atlanta never made a formal offer to bring him back to town  —  Tom Glavine's flirtation with the Braves ended Friday when the veteran left-hander decided to return for a fifth season with the New York Mets.

Lucchino hits on three hot topics  —  Back from his fact-finding/Matsuzaka-signing mission in Japan, Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino sat down at Fenway Park last night and discussed three pivotal team issues in the winter of 2006-07:  —  Daisuke Matsuzaka: "Our interest is obviously sincere.

Winter Meetings a Big Deal?  Sometimes  —  This is the week everyone in baseball looks forward to.  It's more greatly anticipated and more popular than the World Series because everyone gets to participate in the winter meetings.  A team doesn't have to win a lot of games or a certain set of games to qualify to attend the meetings.

Bonds Is a Big Bargain for the Right Team  —  In a soaring free-agent market, Barry Bonds's bad-boy reputation may turn him into baseball's unlikeliest bargain.  —  Even at 42, he is the best player on the market.  Nate Silver, an analyst for Baseball Prospectus, said Bonds …

Hernandez, Fultz add experience to Indians bullpen  —  CLEVELAND — The Indians added some much needed experience and depth to their young bullpen Saturday, signing free agents Roberto Hernandez and Aaron Fultz to one-year contracts.  —  The deals for Hernandez, a 42-year-old right-hander …

Orioles resign Kevin Millar  —  The Orioles today announced that they have resigned 1B-OF Kevin Millar to a one-year contract with an option for the 2008 season.  —  Millar, 35, batted .272 with 15 home runs and 64 RBIs in 132 games in his first season with the Orioles in 2006.

Erstad not offered arbitration  —  Mike DiGiovanna; Steve Henson; Bill Shaikin, From Times Staff and Wire Reports  —  The Angels declined to offer arbitration Friday to 11-year veteran Darin Erstad, but General Manager Bill Stoneman did not rule out the possibility of the first baseman/outfielder's returning next spring.