Pirates sign Cuban, Japanese pitchers  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  The Pirates have not been known for having an international flavor, but they signed two starting pitchers from uncommon locales today: Yoslan Herrera, a Cuban defector, and Masumi Kuwata, a Japanese national.

Meet the new boss?  —  Zito, Boras seem likely to get together with Minaya shortly  —  The Mets are moving forward with their plans to meet face-to-face with Barry Zito, their top remaining free-agent target.  —  "We are looking at doing something next week with Zito," Mets general manager Omar Minaya wrote in an e-mail yesterday.

Trade for Vidro becomes official  —  Mariners plan to use newcomer as designated hitter  —  SEATTLE — After days of speculation, the Mariners officially obtained Jose Vidro from the Washington Nationals on Monday in exchange for outfielder Chris Snelling and pitcher Emiliano Fruto and cash considerations.

Is Zito the best free-agent choice?  —  Rangers beat reporter T.R. Sullivan answers fans' questions … I like the Gagne signing.  You never have enough arms in the bullpen.  Just a thought, Carlos Zambrano is a free agent next year.  Wouldn't it be a better idea to throw a $100 million contract at him, rather then Barry Zito?

Bargains scarce for Marlins  —  Larry Beinfest never thinks about being one of those Richie Rich general managers.  He knows what the Marlins can't do.  They can't stroll down the free-agent shopping aisle and, if they need relievers, just throw a couple in the cart.  —  And that $15 million outfielder?

Radke will announce retirement Tuesday  —  The Twins knew Brad Radke was close to announcing his retirement.  They just weren't sure when.  —  The Twins knew Brad Radke was close to announcing his retirement.  They just weren't sure when.  —  Radke plans to make it official Tuesday …

LaRoche rumors just won't stop  —  Ah, yes, another 70-degree global-warming December day, another Adam LaRoche trade rumor.  —  Where there's this much smoke _ the trade rumors, not the planet _ there's usually fire, so don't be too surprised if the Braves first baseman is traded before opening day.

'07 lineup a challenge for Melvin  —  Manager mulls options at leadoff, cleanup spots  —  There are two forces of energy at work within the Diamondbacks' brain trust.  Both involve guesswork and gambles.  Each includes strategy and an amount of secrecy.  But neither may be unveiled until …

Closer closing in on joining Rangers  —  Eric Gagne will be in Arlington today to take his physical exam in anticipation of signing a one-year contract with the Rangers.  If all goes well, Gagne will be introduced at a news conference Tuesday.  —  Gagne has pitched only 15 1/3 innings the last two years because of elbow problems.

Wells in elite company  —  $126M deal sixth largest in history  —  · Vernon Wells said he wanted to take care of his kids' kids.  He'll get that chance with the Toronto Blue Jays.  —  The All-Star center fielder and the Blue Jays agreed Friday night to a $126 million …

Report: Drew to get second opinion  —  Red Sox concerned about shoulder; deal not yet finalized  —  BOSTON — Monday could be a pivotal day in the effort to finalize J.D. Drew's five-year contract with the Red Sox.  —  The Boston Globe reported Sunday that according to a Major League source familiar …

Igawa, Yanks reach 5-year deal  —  The New York Yankees and Kei Igawa both played second fiddle in the posting sweepstakes.  Igawa, though, got a first-rate deal it was learned on Monday, agreeing to a five-year, 20 million dollars contract with the Bronx Bombers.