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?

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.

Sox interested in Pavano?  (And other whispers . . .)  —  LAS VEGAS — A few things heard while walking through the Bellagio Hotel early this morning . . .  1. The Red Sox are one of a few teams mentioned by agent Tom O'Connell as interested parties for free agent righthander Carl Pavano, a former Boston farmhand.

Pettitte among 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 a supreme compliment.  —  “They explore everything,” said the agent.  —  Including a name that should be familiar …

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.