Hendry busy with outfield, rotation  —  ORLANDO — The only one certain to play in center field next summer at Wrigley Field is Dave Matthews, whose band is scheduled to perform two concerts during the All-Star break.  —  But general manager Jim Hendry has several options available for a full …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Braves bolster bullpen with Sturtze  —  Atlanta signs veteran right-hander to one-year deal  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Based on recent history, Braves general manager John Schuerholz has something much more exciting in store.  But with Sunday's signing of Tanyon Sturtze …

Zito's Father Played His Role to Perfection  —  Joe Zito has been awake for 26 straight hours, camped behind his grand piano, composing a concerto and playing the works of Rachmaninoff.  —  He is an unlikely baseball dad, but an extraordinarily successful one.

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.

Red Sox, Dodgers talking about Ramirez  —  ORLANDO, Fla. - Notes from the eve of the winter meetings:  — The Red Sox and Dodgers were scheduled to meet at midnight ET Sunday to talk about Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez, according to a major league source.

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.

Reds GM: Team got damaged goods from Nats  —  The Reds think they got damaged goods when they acquired reliever Gary Majewski from the Nationals last season.  And now they are prepared to take their case to Major League Baseball.  —  "We don't feel like we were dealt with fairly …

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 …

Indians beef up bullpen, sign Hernandez, Fultz  —  CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians added some much-needed experience and depth to their young bullpen Saturday, agreeing to one-year contracts with Roberto Hernandez and Aaron Fultz.  —  Hernandez, a 42-year-old right-hander, is guaranteed $3.5 million.