Angels might drive up price of CC for Yanks  —  If the Angels do deliver a competitive offer to CC Sabathia, the Yankees must decide whether to raise their own bid for him.  They are debating that issue internally, but the majority of their decision-makers support the idea of going higher …

Fuentes' price Rocks Minaya  —  Brian Fuentes' representatives told the Mets the free agent closer is seeking a three-year deal worth $10 million to $11 million annually, according to a source familiar with the discussion.  That price tag is a bit high for the Mets, but they are still interested in the former Rockie.

K-Rod won't sign until after Meetings  —  Closer's agent says deal unlikey until after Dec. 8-11 gathering  —  At least one high-profile free agent looks to take a break this Thanksgiving weekend, as Francisco Rodriguez is unlikely to sign until after the Winter Meetings.

Detroit Tigers lose interest in a Julio Lugo trade  —  A week after trading away center fielder Coco Crisp [stats], the Red Sox [team stats]' efforts to move shortstop Julio Lugo [stats] have stalled.  —  The team had some discussions earlier this month with the Detroit Tigers, who are in the market for a shortstop.

Baseball Pulls Curtain on Amphetamine Tests  —  Since Major League Baseball began testing for amphetamines in 2006, it has been difficult to determine the policy's value as a deterrent.  Players who tested positive for the first time were not identified or punished, so there was no way of knowing if 20 …

City of Detroit, Tigers in midst of a ‘tough time’ … Thanksgiving always has been a Detroit kind of day.  But here's an idea:  —  Instead of turning our turkey-bulged eyeballs toward Daunte Culpepper and Paris Lenon of the Lions, how about we shift our gaze a few hundred yards to the west?

Top free agents  —  His numbers are huge, but so are the numbers he and agent Scott Boras have in mind for a new contract.  Will the Angels, who traded for him at the end of July, let him walk away?  —  Potential suitors: Angels, Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, Nationals.

Amazin's use popularity to give back  —  TeamMets encourages fans to be charitable as club sets strong example  —  NEW YORK — Back in their old offices at Shea Stadium, before the move to Citi Field, a few Mets employees were gearing up for the baseball season when an idea struck.

Huntington answers fans' questions  —  Pirates GM talks offseason agenda, prospects, scouting  —  Are we going to try to re-sign Doug Mientkiewicz and Jason Michaels? hey both are great leaders and brought great energy to this team last year.  —  We certainly would like to bring Doug and Jason back to the Pirates, Jeff.

Joe sees ray of light for a big A-Rod year  —  Alex Rodriguez is no longer the focus of the sports section, exclusively.  With his link to Madonna, A-Rod is now a key figure in the gossip pages.  Will this extra exposure become a distraction for Rodriguez, who many believe had issues focusing …

Newhan becomes free agent  —  Backup infielder refuses assignment to Astros' Triple-A team  —  Infielder David Newhan has refused an assignment to Triple-A Round Rock, making him a free agent.  —  Newhan, who was signed by the Astros in January, hit .260 with two home runs and 12 RBIs …

Tazawa set to choose Red Sox  —  Right-hander reportedly will announce decision early next week  —  BOSTON — The Red Sox appear poised to add to their recent track record of landing Japanese pitchers, as right-hander Junichi Tazawa has reportedly decided to join the franchise that already has Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima.