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 …

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.

Recession makes bear market smell fishy  —  Buzz up!  —  It takes only a few seconds to sign a contract, even in a huff, and then there'd still be plenty of time to fire the agent before reporting to Viera or Tucson or wherever.  —  It's not yet February, but you can see it from here …

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 …

Hillman likes what he sees at minicamp  —  Royals manager hosts group of infielders at Texas home  —  KANSAS CITY — Camp Hillman was a success for the troop leader, Royals manager Trey Hillman.  —  Hillman had eight infielders on his little spread at Liberty Hill, Texas …

Little Interest for Book by McGwire's Brother  —  A proposal for a tell-all book by Jay McGwire that discusses the alleged steroid use of his older brother, the former slugger Mark McGwire, is meeting with a cool reception from the New York publishing world.

Gonzalez question answered?  —  The Reds will know a lot more about their shortstop situation after Dr. Tim Kremchek examines Alex Gonzalez this weekend in Miami.  —  “Last we heard, he was improving and getting better,” Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said Thursday.

Mets may have sweetened Perez's deal  —  SI.com reports that New York has improved offer to left-hander  —  NEW YORK — The Mets may need Oliver Perez a bit less than they once did — their acquisitions of Tim Redding and Freddy Garcia have provided them with a measure of rotational depth …

Slow-Moving Construction  —  I'm not quite mad as hell.  And I can probably take it a little longer.  —  However, my fuse is getting short when I think about the Lerners' poor stewardship of the Nationals.  In a week or two, if the Nats have refused to spend appropriately on free agents …

Mariners unveil new slogan at luncheon  —  Club sees potential after changes in players and front office  —  SEATTLE — A New Day.  A New Way.  —  The Mariners' marketing slogan for the 2009 season, made public for the first time on Thursday during the annual pre-Spring Training media luncheon …

O's working on extension for Roberts  —  All-Star second baseman's contract expires after ‘09 season  —  BALTIMORE — Brian Roberts may not have been at the news conference to announce the Orioles’ six-year contract extension for Nick Markakis on Thursday, but he was there in spirit.

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.

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.

Stark: State of the Union Q&A with Bud Selig  —  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.

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.