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.

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 …

Sox seeking potential closers  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — One Milwaukee Brewers official said this afternoon the Red Sox have made an inquiry on embattled former closer Derrick Turnbow, who after making the National League All-Star team came unglued in July, when he was 1 for 5 in save chances …

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 …

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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 …