Pettitte to play for Yankees in '08  —  Agent confirms veteran's decision to choose Bronx over retirement  —  NASHVILLE - Andy Pettitte, who contemplated retirement this winter, has told his good friends, a few former Astros teammates and some current Yankees teammates that he will return to the Bronx for the 2008 season.

Ellsbury not untouchable for Santana  —  NASHVILLE - Zero hour for a Johan Santana trade may be approaching.  —  Yankees owner Hank Steinbrenner, vowing "not to be played" by the Red Sox, said publicly the Minnesota Twins must make a decision on whether to accept New York's offer by today, or it will be withdrawn.

Peavy, Padres nearing contract extension  —  New deal would guarantee ace's salary through 2012  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Padres and ace pitcher Jake Peavy have agreed to the basics of an extension that will guarantee his salary through 2012.  Later this week, the sides will try to agree …

Ex-commish Kuhn one of 5 elected by vets to Hall  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Former commissioner Bowie Kuhn was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee on Monday while his longtime adversary, players' union boss Marvin Miller, was left out for the second time this year.

Cubs May Shop Murton  —  Jim Hendry may view 26 year-old outfielder Matt Murton as expendable, if only because he's not the left-handed hitter the Cubs crave.  —  Murton has a respectable career line of .296/.365/.455 in 289 games.  While it would be nice to see his power develop a bit, he's a decent option in right field.

Minaya under pressure in New York  —  FOXSports.com, Updated 47 minutes ago  —  LIKE THIS STORY?  —  Mets general manager Omar Minaya always takes a high-energy approach, but it would be understandable if he was even more motivated this off-season.  —  The pressure on him is growing.

Marte, McLouth draw interest at meetings  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The winter meetings don't start until today but that didn't stop trade rumors from filling the lobbies of the vast Opryland Hotel and Resort on Sunday as major-league baseball executives from all 30 teams began checking in.

Willis likely to remain with Marlins  —  Team expects to retain left-hander, but will listen to offers  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — While it seems inevitable that Miguel Cabrera will be leaving the Marlins, strong indications surfaced on Sunday that Dontrelle Willis will be staying in South Florida.

O'Dowd not looking for major team fixes  —  Any transactions likely to be focused, limited  —  Five years removed from undertaking a major makeover of the Rockies, general manager Dan O'Dowd is not looking for ways to fine-tune a team coming off the franchise's first National League championship.

Wren active at winter meetings  —  New Braves GM seeking infield, bullpen help  —  Nashville — The Braves might not make any trades this week during baseball's annual Winter Meetings, but not because general manager Frank Wren plans on being complacent, kicking back with a cigar …