METS CLOSE TO SIGNING K-ROD  —  LAS VEGAS - The Mets were on the brink last night of closing their most important game of the offseason - landing closer Francisco Rodriguez.  —  Rodriguez's agent, Paul Kinzer, said, “I am more optimistic than I have ever been” about finalizing a deal between the single-season save leader and the Mets.

3 UP: K-Rod, Ankiel and Sheets  —  1. The Mets are about to get much better in the ninth inning and much worse behaved in the eyes of their most heated rivals.  Remember how the Phillies and the rest of the NL East have expressed open distaste for the Mets' prancing style, embodied most by Jose Reyes' gesticulations?

Pettitte among numerous options for Sox  —  LAS VEGAS - Shortly after Theo Epstein met with reporters tonight, an agent walking the hall of the Bellagio resort and casino gave the Red Sox the supreme compliment.  —  “They explore everything,” said the agent.

Yanks expected to make offer to Sheets  —  Team met with righty Monday; said to be preparing offer  —  Though the Yankees are still very much at the center of the talks with free-agent left-hander CC Sabathia, they may be preparing to make a run at another ace — Ben Sheets.

Cubs close to acquiring Jake Peavy  —  The Jake Peavy-Cubs trade talks have reached a point where it will be a stunner if the Cubs don't acquire Peavy, who immediately would become the best pitcher on a staff that already boasts Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster, Ted Lilly and Rich Harden.

BASEBALL WINTER MEETINGS: Theirs for the taking  —  Cubs only team in pursuit of Peavy as Padres push to complete deal this week  —  LAS VEGAS — As promised, the Cubs' pursuit of Cy Young Award-winning pitcher Jake Peavy moved into high gear during Day 1 of the winter meetings Monday …

Loretta, Dodgers agree to deal  —  The Dodgers bolstered their infield depth Monday night by agreeing to terms with utilityman Mark Loretta on a one-year contract, according to agent Bob Garber.  Loretta must pass a physical exam Tuesday for the deal to be official.