Astros decided to let Pettitte walk over $2 million … What just happened here?  —  How did the Astros lose Andy Pettitte to the Yankees over a measly couple of million bucks?  —  Before Pettitte accepted the Yankees' offer, sources familiar with the negotiations told me he gave the Astros …

Springer signs a one-year deal  —  THE ACQUISITION: Russ Springer signs a one-year, $1.75 million contract.  —  THE RETURN: He's back after an injury-marred 2003 season here.  —  HIS ROLE: He helps stock a bullpen that may well be used as leverage for trade.

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.

Springer agrees to contract with Cardinals  —  ST. LOUIS (AP) — Reliever Russ Springer and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed Friday to a $1.75 million, one-year contract on Friday, a day after the World Series champions returned from the winter meetings without making any deals.

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.

Giants: no plan, no pride — and no chance  —  The Giants' season is over, a lost cause before it begins.  For that you can thank Peter Magowan, chief executive Larry Baer and general manager Brian Sabean.  If any of those men want to acknowledge their resistance to the Barry Bonds signing, stand up and be counted right now.

Sanchez worth 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 …

Gagne cost may close door  —  The Red Sox [team stats]' pursuit of closer Eric Gagne may have come to an end yesterday because of the amount of guaranteed money sought by the former National League Cy Young Award winner.  —  Gagne, who turns 30 on Jan. 7, is reportedly seeking at least $5 million guaranteed …

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.

Houston eyeing Jennings  —  With Pettitte back in N.Y., Astros need starters  —  Three years after staging his escape from New York, Andy Pettitte returned to the Yankees on Friday.  His decision to sign a new one-year deal with his old team could have repercussions in Colorado.

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.