Brass heads west to make a Zito pitch  —  The Mets have spent plenty of time discussing Barry Zito - among themselves, with people around the baseball industry, with agent Scott Boras.  Tonight, they'll take the next step.  They'll discuss Zito with Zito himself.

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Phillies and outfielder Werth reach agreement, source says  —  The Phillies continue to look for bullpen help, but in the meantime they have found some outfield depth.  —  A baseball source said yesterday that the Phillies have come to an agreement with outfielder Jayson Werth, who was cut free by the Los Angeles Dodgers last week.

Baseball and Casinos Don't Mix, or Do They?  —  What's good for the goose is supposed to be good for the gander, but in this case, who is the goose and who is the gander?  —  This case is about baseball and slot machines, about Steve Swindal and Bob Nutting.  Swindal is one of two managing general partners of 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 …

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.

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 …