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.

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.

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 …

Minor League Guns  —  Young catchers are somewhat unique among prospects: a reputation as a good or bad defender can be the difference between a career spent as a backup catcher and one that tops out with a failed transition to first or third base.  However, like so many issues in prospect analysis …

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 …

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" …