Rox agree to ship Vizcaino to Cubs for Marquis  —  The Rockies are going to swap a relief bust for rotation depth.  —  The Rockies and Cubs have agreed in principle on a deal that would send Luis Vizcaino to Chicago for starter Jason Marquis, according to multiple baseball sources.

Mets Offer Lowe a 3-Year Deal  —  The Mets have offered the free-agent pitcher Derek Lowe a three-year contract for about $36 million, according to people who have been briefed on the discussions.  —  As the Mets try to add another starter, they have concentrated on Lowe, 35, as their No. 1 option over Oliver Pérez.

Jays invite 3 more to Spring camp  —  The Toronto Blue Jays have signed Michael Barrett, Raul Chavez, Randy Ruiz and pitcher Mike Maroth to minor league contracts and extended invitations for all to attend spring training with the Major League club.  —  Barrett, 32, has signed …

Orioles: Sexson an option at 1B?  —  The Orioles still are trying to figure out what they'll do at first base this coming season, and they've given some consideration to attempting a salvage operation with former 45-homer guy Richie Sexson.  Club officials apparently have had at least …

Minor League Transactions  —  This week's installment considers all transactions reported by MLB between Dec. 16 and Dec. 23.  The previous installment is available here.  —  Atlanta Braves  —  Released: RHP Eligio Lagua, RHP Eliezer Murillo, RHP Matt Timms, LHP Tim Ladd, LHP T.J. Wohlever, OF Mike Elkerson, OF Chad Maddox

Manny Ramirez's agent contacts the Dodgers  —  Negotiations for slugger appear to be underway again as Scott Boras gets in touch with team after General Manager Ned Colletti says Ramirez remains the club's ‘first choice.’  —  The Dodgers' on-again, off-again negotiations with Manny Ramirez appear to be on again.

New-look Mets  —  Yosef Sebrow sends in this look at what appears to be modest tweaks to the black uniforms the Mets wear, which he shot at a Sports Authority in Forest Hills.  It's labeled “METH,” presumably for Mets' home.  He writes: “The old one was black, orange dropshadow, then white, then blue.

More on Bard  —  In case you're wondering, a source has confirmed an agreement between the Red Sox and catcher Josh Bard, whom the club eyes as a backup, perhaps to Jason Varitek.  The Bard acquisition in no way eliminates the chance of Varitek returning to the club in 2009.

July 2 Signings Take The Field  —  With the Arizona Fall League and Hawaii Winter Baseball seasons finished—and in the HWB's case, permanently—the Caribbean leagues take the over the winter ball spotlight.  —  Those leagues can be extremely competitive with major leaguers …

Hot Stove Daily: Texas Rangers  —  Buzz up! … 2008 record: 79-83  —  Finish: Second in American League West  —  2008 opening-day payroll: $67.7 million  —  2009 estimated opening-day payroll: Between $62 million and $72 million  —  OFFSEASON ACTION