Rangers setting sights on Zito  —  Quick hits from the winter meetings:  — The Rangers are making a major push for free-agent left-hander Barry Zito, major league sources say, and continue to negotiate with free-agent right-hander Vicente Padilla.  —  Zito, 28, could end up with a six-year …

Trading Sexson may be an option for Mariners  —  Ibanez might play first base if deal's made  —  ORLANDO — The Mariners are all but locked into Jose Guillen to play right field, and during the winter meetings that start this morning, the club's brass will talk to Luis Gonzalez about playing left field.

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

Will's Mill  —  Enjoy the Silence  —  The Winter Meetings opened with ... a resounding silence.  As the baseball world descended on Orlando, the action was limited to dinner.  Jenn Sterger and I dined near Theo Epstein, but I seemed no closer to signing Daisuke Matsuzaka than he did.

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 …

Los Angeles Angels  —  Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel.  All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible.

10 Reasons Why Barry Zito Is Already My Favorite Met  —  (Note: Today's the debut for a new writer here at Y2K, Lou Monte.  Lou's gonna be handling Monday mornings around here, and we're excited to have him on the team.  Sip will be in with a post later this afternoon.

Scout.com Roundtable: Rule V Draft Preview  —  The MLB Rule V Draft concludes the Winter Meetings and is, sometimes, the highlight of a team's off-season.  While we hope it does not come to that for your team, Scout.com has convened the roundtable to discuss 36 prospects that are eligible …

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 …

Cleveland targets Borowski as closer  —  Nearing a deal, free-agent reliever to take physical on Tuesday  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Joe Borowski's failed physical with the Phillies last week might have put him in a position to become the Indians' closer.

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 …