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 …

Bonds: McGwire and Rose belong in the Hall of Fame  —  sports digest  —  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 last week but denied McGwire amid accusations of steroid use.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

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.