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.

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.

Roundtable #1  —  Well, here it is: The inaugural Pittsburgh Pirates Roundtable.  I'd like to thank all of the Pirates' minds who have contributed this week—and I hope that you'll continue to do so in the future.  I also want to encourage everyone to leave comments here.  Voice your opinions.

Kalas to stay; Matthews to join crew  —  Andersen, Wheeler and Scott Franzke will also return  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — For those who grew up listening to the baritone stylings of Harry Kalas, this will come as welcome news.  —  The Hall of Fame broadcaster will return for at least three more seasons …

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 …

First Civil Rights Game set for March 31  —  Cardinals to play Indians in Memphis as part of celebration  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Major League Baseball will stage its inaugural "Civil Rights Game" this coming March 31, when the defending World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals play …

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.

Notes: Bonds will decide this week where he'll play in '07, agent says  —  ORLANDO — Slugger Barry Bonds likely will know where he'll be spending his potentially record-breaking 2007 season by the end of the week, according to Jeff Borris, Bonds' agent.  —  "I think that by the conclusion of the …

'Do The Wright Thing' gala a big success  —  Benefit raises funds and awareness for children's causes  —  NEW YORK — Snoballs.  —  Ring Dings.  —  Yodels.  —  Twinkies.  —  The dessert tray inside the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square on Saturday night spoke volumes about David Wright's flair when it comes to special events.

Winter Meetings Whispers: Day 1  —  Red Sox slugger Ramirez in high demand this offseason  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Winter Meetings are under way, which means it's time for the annual game of "Where's Manny Going?"  —  Manny Ramirez, the gifted and extremely well-paid outfielder …

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 …

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 …