How to pitch to Zito: A little outside  —  Daniels needs to be creative to land big fish where there's no ocean  —  Having missed on Barry Zito the first time he came available, before they knew what they had, the Rangers seem determined to avoid repeating history.

Could Cal Ripken become Orioles owner?  —  The latest talks between former Baltimore great Cal Ripken and Orioles owner Peter Angelos about the future of the club involve a new wrinkle.  —  The two are discussing a gradual transfer of ownership from Angelos to a group that would include Ripken, major-league sources tell FOXSports.com.

Wells about to sign $126-million extension  —  In one of the bigger upsets of the off-season, the Blue Jays are on the verge of signing center fielder Vernon Wells to a seven-year, $126 million contract extension.  —  An agreement between the Jays and Wells is close, according to major-league sources.

Is Ichiro San Fran-bound in 2008?  —  Fear not, Giants fans.  The team's 2007 edition will be another Senior League special, but after that club officials could replace Barry Bonds with a far more appealing star.  —  How does Ichiro sound?  —  San Francisco, with its huge Japanese community …

Gonzalez drawing heavy interest  —  Eight minor-leaguers signed, including Wasdin  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  Where Mike Gonzalez will pitch next season remains a mystery, but this much is not: The interest in him is mounting.  —  It is believed that no fewer …

Vidro Trade Still Pending Physicals  —  The Washington Nationals' impending trade of second baseman Jose Vidro to Seattle for a pair of prospects will hold for at least another day as Vidro's physical was set for today in Miami.  —  The Nationals are set to receive outfielder Chris Snelling …

Endy's NLCS catch nets TYIB award  —  Outfielder leaped over left-field wall in Game 7 to rob Rolen  —  The baseball left Scott Rolen's bat and was headed for Detroit.  It passed over left field at Shea Stadium in a New York second and over the left-field wall, as well.

Japanese may follow Matsuzaka to Boston  —  But expected torrent of tourists could find it hard to snag tickets  —  Tourists from Osaka react to two geishas in Boston to promote Japan.  By one estimate, a Japanese tourist in Boston spends $3,700, on average.  (DAVID L. RYAN/GLOBE STAFF/FILE 2000)

Astros slugger Jeff Bagwell retiring  —  HOUSTON —Jeff Bagwell, the face of Houston baseball for a generation with teammate Craig Biggio, will retire Friday after 15 years with the team.  —  The four-time All Star will remain with the Astros as part of a personal-services agreement reached …

At home on the big stage  —  In career, persona, new Sox pitcher Matsuzaka an outsized presence  —  From Hokkaido to Kyushu, Daisuke Matsuzaka has been known as The Monster since he was a teenager, a larger-than-life presence at every stage of his career.  At his old high school in Yokohama …

Organization Of The Year: Los Angeles Dodgers  —  Heading into 2006, the Dodgers had the best farm system in baseball.  —  And while most of their prized prospects were still considered at least a year away, Los Angeles reaped the benefits of its talented system faster than it originally envisioned.

The Big Heist  —  The Boston Red Sox and Diasuke Matsuzaka reached agreement Wednesday on a six-year contract that will pay the Japanese star $52 million plus the potential for an additional $8 million in escalators based on awards.  Matsuzaka will also receive a "litany of personal comforts" …