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 …

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.

Braves interested in Baldelli  —  Atlanta shopping prospects to Tampa Bay for outfielder  —  ATLANTA — While confirming the club's interest in obtaining Rocco Baldelli from the Devil Rays, a Braves source has provided indication that they are willing to provide some top prospects to complete this transaction.

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.

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.

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 …

Sanchez worth the risk for Marlins  —  Desperate for an affordable but experienced center fielder, the Marlins are taking a chance on the first player disciplined in 2005 under baseball's toughened steroids rules.  —  Alex Sanchez, a career .297 hitter with speed but questionable defense …

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.

GM has earned some benefit of doubt  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — There is no middle ground with Ken Williams' latest trade.  —  It's like the movie ''Fight Club'': You get it or you don't get it.  You see the quick flashes of Tyler Durden in the first 30 minutes or you don't.

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.

Suspension Will Cost Mota $500k  —  Associated PressGuillermo Mota won't collect the entire $5 million of his new two-year contract with the Mets, though the organization did do him a favor by structuring it so that he earns $1.8 million in 2007 and $3.2 million in 2008.