PETTITTE RETURN TO ASTROS UNLIKELY  —  OWNER DOESN'T EXPECT TO ENTER BIDDING  —  HOUSTON - As the Astros were celebrating the development of a new youth academy Friday, owner Drayton McLane was talking about the possibility of Andy Pettitte returning to the team and whether he expects Roger Clemens at spring training.

Cincinnati Reds  —  Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel.  All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible.

Astros hope to settle arbitration cases  —  Club trying to agree on salaries for pitchers Rodriguez, Geary  —  HOUSTON — Arbitration hearing dates for Wandy Rodriguez and Geoff Geary are likely to take place the week the Astros' front office heads to Spring Training, but it's possible …

McGwire's brother about as bad as it gets  —  A candidate for least interesting story of the year so far, for me, is word that Mark McGwire's brother, Jay, has circulated a book proposal in which the brother says the former slugger used steroids.  —  I think the overwhelmingly …

2008 Leaders and Laggards: K/100 Pitches  —  Three years ago, I introduced the concept of evaluating pitchers based on strikeouts per pitch, which has a higher correlation to runs allowed than strikeouts per batter faced or strikeouts per inning.  —  In a follow-up article in November 2007 …

Alou draws interest from Phils  —  While the team waits to hear from Nomar Garciaparra, the hunt continues for a righthanded bat.  —  Still waiting to hear whether Nomar Garciaparra wants to continue his playing career, the Phillies have shown an interest in several other righthanded hitters …

The commish gives his state of the game  —  The new president of the United States got to stand atop the Capitol steps this week and address the nation.  The commissioner of baseball, on the other hand, didn't even have to leave his office.  —  Here at ESPN.com, we're cooperative that way.

PirateFest, Day 1: Sleeves are back  —  The Pirates, in addition to adding an alternate jersey, will add sleeves back to their regular uniform tops next season for the first time since 2000, their last season at Three Rivers Stadium.  —  Frank Coonelly explained as part of the announcement today …

Cardinals Extend Camp Invites to 55 Players  —  Prospects Brett Wallace & Jess Todd Among Non-Roster Invitees  —  The St. Louis Cardinals today announced its spring training roster as pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to spring training in three weeks.

Nats keep eye on free-agent market  —  No deal imminent, but team has lingering interest in Dunn, Hudson  —  WASHINGTON — General manager Jim Bowden said the Nationals still have interest in signing free agents, but they are not close to acquiring one in the near future.

Cubs sale magic number: 1  —  Tribune Co. settles on Ricketts family to purchase team, but potential hurdles exist before a deal can be finalized  —  The Chicago Cubs and their storied legacy of losing are set to change hands, with the billionaire Ricketts family emerging as the favored bidder …

Rangers: ‘Positive’ talks with Sheets … ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Free agent right-hander Ben Sheets met again this week with the Texas Rangers, the team that plays not far from his Dallas home.  —  “It was part of doing our due diligence,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said Friday.

METS SIGN MACKOWIAK  —  In a continuing collection of lefty-hitting outfielders, the Mets have signed Rob Mackowiak to a minor league contract, the Post has learned.  —  If Mackowiak makes the team he will have a base salary of $600,000 and he has a chance to earn an additional $200,000 …

Chipper: I want to stay with Braves  —  Veteran wants to work out extension to keep him in Atlanta  —  ATLANTA — Like the average Braves fan, Chipper Jones rode a wave emotions over the past few months.  The prolonged search for an ace created doubt about the organization's future …

Mets' owner on Manny Ramirez: We're not interested  —  Manny Ramirez may not be on the Mets' list of possible free agent signings, team COO Jeff Wilpon told Bloomberg News.  (Getty Images Photo)  —  Mets fans - and a Mets third baseman - who are dreaming of seeing Manny Ramirez's big bat …