Tumblin' Dice: Sox' talks with Matsuzaka break down  —  Negotiations between the Red Sox [team stats] and Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka have essentially broken down, a source familiar with the talks said late last night, adding that unless there is an abrupt change of course …

A vote for Mac, truth  —  Send him to Cooperstown, just don't forget juicy tidbits  —  The Hall of Fame ballot is in the mail, and I voted for Mark McGwire.  —  This was no easy decision, and I understand those who would leave him off.  There are many reasons to do so …

See ya, 'Stros  —  Pettitte says Yankees' interest was the difference  —  HOUSTON (AP) — Andy Pettitte says he moved from Houston back to New York because the Yankees put on a "full-court press" and the Astros showed signs they were ready to move on without him.

Expanding their reach statewide  —  The Devil Rays are trying to grab a larger share of the Florida market, with plans for moving a series against the Rangers to Orlando.  —  kbaxter@MiamiHerald.com  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA - Florida ultimately might prove big enough to support more than one major-league franchise.

Winter of 'roids  —  Juice abusers end up being big winners at this year's meetings  —  One can only imagine the sick feeling that overcame Bud Selig as he monitored the winter meetings in Disney World, where old-fashioned trades were eschewed by clubs in favor of spending silly money on mediocre pitching.

On one level, Meche deal makes sense  —  Time to defend the indefensible:  —  Gil Meche, five years, $55 million.  —  On the insanity scale, it's right there with all of the other off-season doozies — three years, $19 million for Danys Baez; five years, $50 million for Gary Matthews Jr. …

Marquis likely to join Cubs  —  CHICAGO (AP) — Pitcher Jason Marquis is likely to become the latest acquisition in the Chicago Cubs' offseason spending spree.  —  Marquis and the Cubs are negotiating a three-year contract, a person with knowledge of the talks said Saturday …

Royals sign Dotel to one-year deal  —  KANSAS CITY — The Kansas City Royals announced today the signing of reliever Octavio Dotel to a one-year contract for the 2007 season.  Terms of the deal were not disclosed.  —  "The back end of our bullpen was a major emphasis this off season …

Melvin discusses Brewers' offseason  —  Brewers general manager Doug Melvin participated in an online chat with fans Friday afternoon.  Among the topics discussed were the Winter Meetings, offseason signings, Bill Hall's move to the outfield and plans for the 2007 season.  —  Doug Melvin: Hello, everyone.

Angels don't make a deal, and they're happy  —  They didn't get a slugger during the winter meetings, but they didn't lose any pitching depth.  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA. — The Angels left baseball's winter meetings Thursday without a slugger such as Manny Ramirez, Todd Helton or Adam LaRoche …

Mulder to visit Rangers on Tuesday  —  Another pitcher with Oakland Athletics ties is headed to Arlington for a visit.  First it was Barry Zito, arriving nearly two weeks ago to be wined and dined by Rangers general manager Jon Daniels and owner Tom Hicks.  —  Now it's Mark Mulder's turn.

Mariners' best hope might be cleaning out front office  —  Tell Larry your opinion!  —  Hot-off-the-wire news flash from my embedded moles at the winter meetings: Not only were several members of the Seattle Mariners brain trust in attendance, but they seemed to be going against recent practice …