Braves look to strengthen bullpen with deal  —  The Pirates finally are on the verge of obtaining first baseman Adam LaRoche from the Braves, but the price won't simply be left-handed reliever Mike Gonzalez.  —  The Braves also will receive Class A shortstop Brent Lillibridge …

Bonds backs McGwire, Rose for Hall  —  In the shadows of Barry Bonds endorsing the Hall of Fame induction of Mark McGwire and Pete Rose, baseball owners appear to have little interest in pursuing stricter penalties for amphetamines use, even after Bonds reportedly failed a drug test last year.

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 …

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 …

Jays ink Fasano to Minor League deal  —  Veteran catcher realizes he'll likely begin season at Triple-A  —  TORONTO — Sal Fasano understands that he might not make Toronto's Opening Day roster.  That didn't stop the free-agent catcher from signing with the Blue Jays, though.

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 …

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.

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 …

Rox remain keen on Lawrence  —  The Rockies could find out Thursday if starter Brian Lawrence accepts their counter-offer.  Seattle, however, has emerged as the slight favorite, while Pittsburgh promised to make a new proposal Thursday.  After losing out on reliever Chris Reitsma to the Mariners …

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.

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 …