Source: Pettitte to Yankees with one-year, $16M deal  —  Many thought Andy Pettitte should have never left New York.  It looks like that issue has been rectified.  —  The left-hander and the Yankees have reached an agreement on a one-year deal that will pay him $16 million in 2007 …

Haren's Ideal for Mets, but A's Are Smart Enough To Know This  —  It's been a quiet off-season for the Mets so far, which is an entirely good thing in a ridiculously overheated market.  Aside from bringing back a few useful veterans and signing Moises Alou to the Cliff Floyd memorial roster spot …

The Rumors Just Keep On Coming  —  As we close up the Winter Meetings Mill, there's still some unfinished business that teams leave Orlando with.  Lots of free agents remain to be signed, and the trade discussions that started here will be finished later.  No team completed its winter makeover …

Braves ecstatic to land Soriano  —  Braves officials worked untold hours on the phone before and during baseball's winter meetings, then made just one trade at the four-day event.  —  They said it was worth the effort, and their beaming smiles emphasized the sentiment.

O's deem Payton right for left … The Orioles' monthlong quest to acquire a starting left fielder has apparently come to an end.  According to an industry source, the Orioles have reached a verbal agreement on a two-year deal with Oakland Athletics free agent Jay Payton, who will become the team's only right-handed-hitting outfielder.

Royals ink Bale; Dotel reportedly next  —  Lefty has pitched in Japan last three years; righty to be closer  —  KANSAS CITY — The Royals appeared poised to announce the signing of Octavio Dotel to be their closer after adding reliever John Bale to the pitching staff.

Nats tab three in Rule 5 Draft  —  Club loses nine players in Major and Minor League phases  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Nationals selected catcher Jesus Flores and right-hander Levale Speigner in the Major League phase of Thursday's 2006 Rule 5 Draft, while taking left-hander Justin Jones in the Triple-A phase.

Tigers, Inge agree to four-year extension  —  First long-term deal with young core to be set next week  —  The Tigers are expected to announce a four-year, $24 million contract with third baseman Brandon Inge, the first member of Detroit's core of younger players to be inked to a long-term deal, next week.

Former Giants shortstop Jose Uribe dies in car crash in native Dominican Republic  —  SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) -Former San Francisco Giants shortstop Jose Uribe was killed early Friday in a car crash in his native Dominican Republic.  —  The Dominican National Police said the 47 …

Springer agrees to one-year deal  —  Cardinals add veteran righty reliever in order to fortify bullpen  —  ST. LOUIS — The Cardinals closed a deal to add to their bullpen depth on Friday, adding free-agent right-hander Russ Springer.  The 38-year-old signed a one-year deal worth a reported $1.75 million.

Colletti feels new Dodgers fit in perfectly  —  Gonzalez, Schmidt both possess much playoff experience  —  LOS ANGELES — There's not much mystery to the type of players Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti acquires.  —  They are usually veterans, usually with postseason experience, mostly including the World Series.

The Show no baseball fan sees  —  As usual, winter meetings were a mix of intrigue and hucksterism  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Larry O'Brien shook hands with Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and headed out the door of the Walt Disney World Dolphin resort Wednesday during baseball's winter meetings.