Analysis: Pirates have no cause to fear free agency  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  It is not true that team executives will drive a convoy of loaded Brink's trucks into Lake Buena Vista, Fla., for Major League Baseball's annual winter meetings that open tomorrow.

Shortage of arms  —  Yanks' pursuit of Japan's Igawa indicates demand for pitching  —  What were the New York Yankees thinking when they bid $26 million for the rights to Japanese left-hander Kei Igawa?  Sure, that's only about half of what Boston is paying the Seibu Lions for the rights to Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Stove goes cold  —  Barring unexpected A-Rod blockbuster, it's Yanks' winter of content  —  Even as GM Brian Cashman has begun to change the Yankees' way of doing business the last couple of years, putting more emphasis on developing young talent and less on buying aging stars …

Epstein set to shop at winter meetings  —  Finding a new home for Manny Ramirez, landing a shortstop, a closer and a backup catcher highlight the Red Sox general manager's agenda.  —  BOSTON — Starting tomorrow, baseball's annual winter meetings convene in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., for four days.

Brewers hunt for bargains  —  As meetings near, Melvin studies outfield situation  —  thaudricourt@journalsentinel.com  —  Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin has made significant trades at each of the past two major-league winter meetings, but he's not sure how easy it will be to keep that streak alive.

GMs gone wild  —  Hot stove season filled with errors, with Boston miscues at top of list  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - You think this has been a crazy baseball winter?  You think the Chicago Tribune investing more than $200 million in Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez when it is supposedly trying to sell the Cubs was nuts?

A zest for Zito  —  Mets target lefty but seem unwilling to make wild pitch  —  Tom Glavine's return reduces Omar Minaya's urgency to find a starting pitcher at this week's winter meetings.  But make no mistake: The Mets GM, like many of his counterparts throughout baseball …

Interest in Bonds seems questionable  —  If there's genuine interest in Barry Bonds outside the Giants' executive offices — and it's clear Bonds isn't the unanimous choice to play left field — it's a highly guarded secret.  —  Teams are saying "no" at a rapid rate, and perhaps it's …

The bandwagon has open seats  —  It began with a simple talk with a friend of mine.  Truth is, I was jealous.  He grew up in Detroit before moving to Georgia, so he was now following two teams while I was stuck with just one, my stumbling Atlanta Braves.  —  The more I thought …

Millar signs on for second season with Orioles … BALTIMORE — First baseman Kevin Millar re-signed with the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, agreeing to a one-year $2.75 million contract with an option for 2008.  —  The 35-year-old Millar hit .272 with 15 home runs and 64 RBI in 132 games in his first season with the Orioles.

Ante set high for Rangers  —  Pitching help won't come cheap for Daniels at winter meetings  —  Major League Baseball begins a four-day invasion of Walt Disney World today, where the theme music has been tweaked just a bit: … It's especially true when the subject is pitching.

Cancer battle a journey for Bell  —  The Sonoran desert blew sand sideways across the lawn, the grit fixing itself everywhere.  In the distance, a ring of red mountains rose above barren land.  —  The front door stood open, allowing a cool breeze to find its way into Buddy Bell's home …

Market makes search tougher for Marlins  —  Let's go shopping  —  Key players expected to draw attention at baseball's winter meetings Monday through Thursday in Orlando:  —  Starters  —  LHP Barry Zito 16-10 for Oakland  —  • 2002 AL Cy Young Award winner is coveted by Texas.