Gagne deal delivers depth to Rangers  —  If healthy, RHP will serve as closer; Barajas talking Rangers again  —  Barry Zito remains the Rangers' primary focus this off-season.  But while the free agent prepares to visit with New York Mets officials, the Rangers aren't just waiting around.

Bonderman agrees to $38 million, 4-year contract with Tigers  —  DETROIT (AP) — Pitcher Jeremy Bonderman and the Detroit Tigers agreed Monday to a $38 million, four-year contract.  —  Bonderman, who would have been eligible for free agency after the 2008 season, gets $4.5 million in 2007 …

Larry Sherry dies after long battle with cancer  —  LOS ANGELES — Larry Sherry, MVP of the 1959 World Series as a reliever for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has died after a long battle with cancer.  He was 71.  —  Sherry died early Sunday at his home in Mission Viejo, according to his brother …

Orioles renew pursuit for LaRoche  —  Holiday morsels:  — The Orioles have renewed their pursuit of Braves first baseman Adam LaRoche, this time without offering second baseman Brian Roberts.  —  Earlier this month, Orioles owner Peter Angelos nixed a trade of Roberts and right-hander Hayden Penn …

Mailbag: Fans chime in about Church  —  Beat reporter Bill Ladson tackles Nationals fans' questions … What's your take on manager Manny Acta reaching out to Ryan Church?  It sure doesn't sound like he wants Church traded, nor does it sound like Church will be a backup outfielder.

Yankees reportedly reach agreement with Igawa  —  Looks like the New York Yankees can't get enough of left-handed starters.  —  They already had Randy Johnson.  Then they lured Andy Pettitte back to the Bronx this offseason.  Now, multiple media reports said on Monday night that the Yankees …

Herrera Signing Becomes Official; Braves Ink Cuban  —  The Pirates finally consummated their deal with Cuban defector Yoslan Herrera, the righthander they agreed to sign in November.  —  Herrera, 25, signed a major league contract worth $1.92 million over three years, according …

Sox, Drew apart  —  Team has questions on player's shoulder  —  The Red Sox have questions about the condition of J.D. Drew's surgically repaired right shoulder, questions that have kept them from finalizing a deal for the free agent right fielder two weeks after Drew's agent, Scott Boras …

Snelling, Fruto heading to Washington  —  Nationals send veteran second baseman Vidro to Mariners  —  WASHINGTON — A trade agreed upon almost two weeks ago came to fruition on Monday, as the Nationals acquired outfielder Chris Snelling and right-hander Emiliano Fruto from the Mariners …

Radke reportedly to announce retirement at Metrodome  —  Brad Radke reportedly will officially retire at a news conference in Minneapolis on Tuesday, ending his 12-year career with the Twins.  —  According to the Star Tribune, the 34-year-old Radke will offically end his major league career …

Notes: Taveras looks to be in 2007 mix  —  Newly acquired outfielder could add speed to top of order  —  DENVER — Don't call center fielder Willy Taveras an ex-Rockies player just yet.  —  When the Rockies obtained him from the Astros last week, early indications were the Rockies were looking to use him in another deal.