Hendry won't be Trader Jim  —  Cubs GM doesn't see many teams dealing because of contracts  —  ORLANDO — Pursuing every possible option, Cubs general manager Jim Hendry called his Colorado Rockies counterpart Dan O'Dowd about the availability of right-hander Jason Jennings.  —  And why not?

Salary boom win-win for Rays … LAKE BUENA VISTA - The Devil Rays aren't planning to spend much money in the free-agent market, but the ridiculous dollars teams have thrown at players could have a significant impact on their plans.  —  With free agents getting multiyear deals for multimillions …

Avoiding Costly Moves  —  Rebuilding Nats Expect to Limit Spending for 2007 Roster  —  Two years ago, the Washington Nationals — shackled with a minuscule budget issued by their owners, Major League Baseball — signed Esteban Loaiza, a beleaguered right-hander, to a one-year, $2.9-million contract.

Rockies think their strength is within  —  Division rivals keep busy in offseason  —  While the rest of the National League West has been creating an offseason stir, the Rockies, so far, have been willing to settle for such subtle moves as re-signing second baseman Kaz Matsui …

Steve Henson answers readers' pressing questions  —  The winter meetings begin Monday in Orlando, Fla., and the Dodgers will be seeking a power-hitting outfielder, a starting pitcher and bullpen help.  Reporter Steve Henson takes readers' questions on the likelihood of Manny Ramirez coming to Los Angeles …

Braves go to Plan B without Glavine  —  The old maestro is going to the winter meetings with his hands tied, although Braves general manager John Schuerholz might not agree with the analogy, at least not on the record.  —  The Braves hope to fill some needs during baseball's winter meeings …

Isringhausen is ahead of schedule  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Less than three months after undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery, closer Jason Isringhausen insists the Cardinals should plan on him being available to pitch the ninth inning on opening day.  —  "I'm tired of other people doing my job," Isringhausen said this weekend.

O's pack some needs for winter meetings  —  Still missing big bat, 'we expect to be very busy,' Flanagan says  —  Even though they have directed one of the busiest teams in the league since the money-spending free-agent season began, the Orioles' top executives boarded a plane …

Pirates cast wide net for lefty bat  —  Youngster with power is top priority as winter meetings open  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — He is the Pirates' perceived missing piece in the lineup.  —  He is young, large, left-handed and strong enough …

Whatever happened to Barry Bonds? … LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Greatest Slugger of His Time sits home in California, jobless and teamless.  —  In a very different world, he would be the hottest free agent of them all at one of baseball's strangest winter meetings of them all …

Yanks wait for Pettitte return  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Brian Cashman checked into Disney's Swan and Dolphin Resort last night with a checklist of his remaining offseason questions on his mind.  But there's one question he has no control over.  —  The Yankees will have a roster spot …

Don't print that  —  ) Look for the Twins this week at baseball's winter meetings in Orlando, Fla., to begin official talks on multiyear contracts with the agents for American League most valuable player Justin Morneau, batting champion Joe Mauer and 109-RBI producer Michael Cuddyer.

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 …