Rangers add Gagne to bullpen mix as new closer  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — Eric Gagne passed an extensive physical and is now the closer of the Texas Rangers.  —  The Rangers on Tuesday completed a one-year deal with Gagne, the 2003 NL Cy Young Award winner and one of the most dominant closers …

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.

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.

Sixers, Nuggets reach agreement for Iverson … The Denver Nuggets have reached an agreement in principle with the Philadelphia 76ers to acquire Allen Iverson, according to NBA front-office sources.  —  The trade, pending league approval, some two weeks after Iverson demanded a trade in Philly …

Rose backs McGwire, hopes exhibit helps with reinstatement  —  CINCINNATI (AP) — Pete Rose thinks Mark McGwire should be in baseball's Hall of Fame, and hasn't given up hope that he'll get there someday, too.  —  Baseball's banished hits king said Tuesday that McGwire …

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 …

New manager Black pumped for 2007  —  Skipper fully expects team to contend with pitching, speed  —  SAN DIEGO — As most San Diego Padres fans know, the franchise has never had a pitcher throw a no-hitter, a batter hit for the cycle or a team win the World Series.

Notes: New spring home closer?  —  Agent for Mulder set to meet with Tribe officials  —  CLEVELAND — The state of Arizona reached deep down in its pocket and found some extra cash.  Now, the Indians might stand to benefit.  —  The Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority claims it has enough money …

Oh, brother!  Padres getting Marcus Giles for second base  —  Signing would limit Walker to utility role  —  Marcus Giles will be joining brother Brian in San Diego.  —  The second baseman has agreed to a one-year contract with a club option for 2008.  —  The announcement could be made as soon as this afternoon or tomorrow.

Strawberry: Jeter must embrace A-Rod  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Darryl Strawberry thinks the Yankees' clubhouse is beset by bad chemistry that can be cured only one way: Derek Jeter needs to "embrace" Alex Rodriguez.  —  "They've got to come together," Strawberry said Tuesday.

Mets sign five Minor League free agents and extend them Spring Training invitations  —  The New York Mets today signed five minor league free agents, righthanded pitchers, Clint Nageotte, Jorge Vasquez and Lino Urdaneta, lefthanded pitcher William Collazo and outfielder Raymond 'Chip' Ambres …

Jennings likely to stay put, but not Jones … Depending on your viewpoint, Vernon Wells' new seven-year, $126 million deal with Toronto is either a heartwarming tale of loyalty or yet another sign that major league baseball owners never learn.  —  Proponents think the Blue Jays made a wise preemptive strike.

Braves' minor leaguer arrested  —  Teen pitcher charged with hitting vehicle with bat  —  TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — A Tampa teenager drafted by the Atlanta Braves has been charged with using a baseball bat to damage a vehicle, police said.  —  Steven Michael Evarts, 19, a standout pitcher …

Marquis taking physical with Cubs  —  CHICAGO (AP) — Right-hander Jason Marquis was having a physical Tuesday, the last step to completing his three-year, $21 million contract with the Chicago Cubs.  —  The deal was agreed to earlier this month, but Marquis had to pass a physical before it could be announced.

THT Mailbag  —  Sometimes, it seems like baseball is still stuck in the good old '50s.  Last week, multiple maintstream media outlets touted San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman as a strong candidate for NFL Defensive MVP, just games after he returned from a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's steroid policy.