METS, K-ROD CONTINUE TALKS  —  LAS VEGAS - Mets officials and representatives for Francisco Rodriguez were huddled this morning in attempts to put the last items in place for a contract that will bring the elite closer to New York on a contract in three-year, $37 million range.

UPDATED: Giants talk to Sabathia's camp; Yanks rumored to be out, Brewers emerging  —  UPDATE: An executive close to the CC Sabathia talks told me the perception is that the Brewers are emerging as the frontrunner.  —  It's been confirmed to me that the Giants had discussions with CC Sabathia's camp …

Indians close to deal with closer Wood  —  Offer to ex-Cubs fireballer might include option for third year  —  LAS VEGAS — The Indians appear to be close to signing closer Kerry Wood to a two-year contract, MLB.com has learned.  —  The offer to Wood might include an option for a third year …

Tigers, Mariners actively discussing Putz trade  —  LAS VEGAS - This morning, the Tigers and Seattle Mariners have discussed a trade that would bring closer J.J. Putz back to his home state.  —  It's not clear if the clubs are close to a deal, but the talks appear to be ongoing.

Rays met with Giambi  —  UPDATE, 9:18: Executive VP Andrew Friedman called it “a very good meeting” and said Giambi has “got a lot of the characteristics of a hitter that we like.”  He also said he spoke on the phone with a third potential addition, whom he would not name …

Peavy deal hinges only on Marquis move  —  Buzz up!  —  LAS VEGAS - The lone holdup in a deal sending San Diego ace Jake Peavy to the Chicago Cubs is the team's ability to trade starting pitcher Jason Marquis, a source close to the situation said Tuesday night.

In stagnant market, Sox sit and wait  —  LAS VEGAS — We just emerged from Theo Epstein's daily briefing, where the Red Sox general manager seemed almost apologetic for the absence of news surrounding the team.  —  “I actually think I have less to tell you than yesterday,” Epstein said.

Tigers, Dodgers deny interest in Bucs' Wilson  —  LAS VEGAS — Jack Wilson is not going to be a member of the Detroit Tiger on opening day in 2009 and he also isn't going to be with the Los Angeles Dodgers.  —  Despite plenty of reports to the contrary, high-ranked officials from both teams …

Meeting with Sheets impressed Girardi  —  Joe Girardi confirmed that the Yankees met with Ben Sheets and his agent, Casey Close, yesterday.  —  “I faced Ben Sheets when I was with the Cubs and I've admired the work that he's done over the years.  It was good to talk to him about his health, his routines and what he likes to do.

Moore dismisses Francoeur rumor  —  KC's GM says Greinke not dangled for Atlanta outfielder  —  LAS VEGAS — Royals general manager Dayton Moore hates unfounded trade rumors and he loves to squelch them.  —  So, as Moore walked down a hallway of Bellagio Hotel on Tuesday en route to a GMs' meeting …

Billy Ripken Obscenity Bat: He Finally Talks 20 Years Later  —  Had Billy Ripken not received a shipment of less than ideal Louisville Slugger R161 models that year...  Had Billy Ripken not decided to use one of those bats for batting practice that year... Had Billy Ripken not elected to mark that bat in a unique way that year...

Kubek honored with '09 Frick Award  —  Former Yankee was voice of a generation in NBC broadcast  —  Tony Kubek, the former New York Yankees shortstop who made even a bigger name for himself in his post-playing career as an analyst on NBC's old “Game of the Week” telecasts …