Sources: Braves trade LaRoche to Bucs for Gonzalez … The Pittsburgh Pirates, filling their need for a left-handed power bat, acquired first baseman Adam LaRoche from the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday for lefty reliever Mike Gonzalez, two sources confirmed to ESPN.com.

Dodgers sign pitcher Tsao, a former Rockies prospect  —  The Dodgers have reached an agreement with pitcher Chin-Hui Tsao, the top prospect in the Colorado Rockies organization before injuries derailed his progress.  —  A contract is contingent on Tsao passing a physical once he obtains …

Prior success worthless?  —  Despite injury-filled career, Cubs pitcher doesn't deserve pay cut  —  While being introduced during the opening of last year's Cubs Convention, Mark Prior was greeted by a rousing ovation and the chant, "No trade, no trade."  —  Responding to media reports …

Rangers see Sosa as a middle man  —  Rangers manager Ron Washington and hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo caution that Sammy Sosa won't be awarded a roster spot simply based on a resume that includes 588 career home runs.  —  But the new manager was impressed enough by what he saw Monday …

Putz agrees to three-year contract  —  Reliever had 36 saves in first season as Mariners' closer  —  SEATTLE — When J.J. Putz finally reached his former teammate and good friend Eddie Guardado by phone earlier this week, Putz didn't waste time with any ordinary salutation.  —  Instead, Putz offered but one word.

Wells contemplates Padres' offer  —  The Padres offered free-agent left-hander David Wells a one-year contract Wednesday, FOXSports.com has learned.  —  The offer includes a modest base salary plus appearance-based incentives, according to a major-league source.

Bonds: McGwire and Rose belong in Hall of Fame  —  SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Barry Bonds thinks Mark McGwire and Pete Rose belong in the Hall of Fame.  —  The Baseball Writers' Association of America elected Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn to the Hall last week, but denied McGwire.

Nationals set to add vet Womack  —  Longtime utilityman can play multiple positions  —  WASHINGTON — Looking to improve their bench, the Nationals are set to sign infielder/outfielder Tony Womack to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training, MLB.com has been told.

After Traveling, Nats Sign Four Venezuelan Teenagers  —  The Washington Nationals' aggressive mining of the international talent market continued yesterday with the signing of four Venezuelan teenagers, days after two team executives traveled to the country on a scouting trip and only a week …

Mets Won't Trade Their Future at the Present Time  —  The telephone calls keep coming, so Mets General Manager Omar Minaya keeps listening.  But trading away premium talent for a modest starter is not going to happen.  So Minaya has resisted all comers, and will take a chance …

MLB considers adding playoff off-day  —  Proposal involves extra day before Game 5 of Division Series  —  PHOENIX — Major League Baseball officials are discussing the possibility of scheduling an off-day prior to a deciding Game 5 in the Division Series, Bob DuPuy, MLB's president …

Matsuzaka needs to shoot for Nomo's numbers … With all due respect to Greg Maddux, Barry Zito and Jose Mesa, there's really not much competition for the title Hottest Pitcher Acquisition of the Offseason.  Clearly, that great honor goes to Daisuke Matsuzaka, Boston's $103.1 million man.