Mets, Randolph agree to new deal  —  Manager to get three-year contract with a club option for 2010  —  NEW YORK — In the moments of exalt that followed the Mets' elimination of the Dodgers from the postseason in October, Willie Randolph spoke about how much he enjoyed watching his players celebrate.

Pirates near two-year deal with Sanchez  —  Team also in talks with free-agent pitcher Jeff Weaver  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  The Pirates and National League batting champion Freddy Sanchez are close to agreement on a two-year contract.

Business of Baseball Report  —  MLB Close to Deal With DirecTV Over Extra Innings  —  In a somewhat surprising move, MLB is close to an agreement with DirecTV that would give the satellite television company an exclusive agreement for the league's Extra Innings baseball package.

Floyd, Cubs agree on deal  —  Chicago-area native thrilled to be part of Cubs' outfield  —  So now that the Cubs have signed Cliff Floyd—yes, finally and officially Wednesday—what do they do with him?  —  "We have six or seven weeks of spring training to figure that out," general manager Jim Hendry said.

Jorge: Bernie won't retire  —  Bernie Williams has still not spoken out about his baseball future, but one of his closest friends and teammates said last night that the veteran outfielder has no plans to hang up his spikes just yet.  —  Jorge Posada, speaking before last night's Baseball …

Yanks Hope to Get a Jump in China  —  The Yankees are coming, the Yankees are coming.  That's what the Chinese are shouting in China today because the Yankees are heading there in their latest international exploration.  Vasco da Gama and Magellan had nothing on them.

Nats Proceed With Caution  —  Sitting earlier this week at a forum at his alma mater, Washington Nationals owner Theodore Lerner likened his family's first year at the helm of the District's Major League Baseball franchise to freshman year at college, full of unexpected experiences and adjustments.

Mariners Notebook: Felix looking fit; Hargrove fired up  —  Hernandez set for spring after losing 20 pounds  —  The Mariners showed off a trimmed-down Felix Hernandez and a newly fired-up manager Mike Hargrove on Wednesday at their annual pre-spring training media get-together.

There's a mound of candidates for bullpen  —  The Red Sox now have nine relievers under contract after avoiding arbitration with Brendan Donnelly, who agreed to a one-year, $1.4 million deal Tuesday.  Under terms of the contract, Donnelly is to receive an additional $25,000 for 25 games finished and $25,000 for 30 games finished.

Yankee old timers urge A-Rod to step up  —  NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York Yankee veterans agreed on Tuesday that the Bronx Bombers needed Alex Rodriguez to rise to the occasion in the postseason to help them return to World Series glory in 2007.  —  The 1977 Yankees were honored …

Low price could mean Zambrano returns  —  The Mets, aware that their starting rotation is replete with questions, hope to sign one more low-cost free-agent starting pitcher, a person familiar with the situation said yesterday.  Victor Zambrano, best known for being on the wrong side …

FanFest a chance to meet the Marlins  —  Event to take place at Dolphin Stadium on Feb. 10  —  MIAMI — Before the Marlins head up to Jupiter for Spring Training, fans will have several opportunities to get up close and personal with the club.  —  The biggest chance to meet the players …

SPECIAL REPORT: Talent pool left shallow by lack of leagues  —  The times have certainly changed since 1995, when Hideo Nomo left Japan for the majors and was branded a traitor by the baseball establishment.  Although Nomo left through a loophole, movement of Japanese stars to the majors is now an accepted part of the game.

Baker's ESPN job has out for managing  —  An invigorated Dusty Baker confirmed Wednesday that he has finalized a two-year contract with ESPN.  —  "It's a great opportunity to take my experiences and knowledge as a player and manager and put it into broadcasting," said Baker …