Zito's deal would burden Rangers  —  The Rangers got some good news Thursday.  They aren't going to be the ones to overpay Barry Zito.  —  Texas fans should embrace the Giants' decision to lure Zito across the Bay Bridge with a seven-year, $126-million contract.

No ace in the hole  —  When word began spreading that Barry Zito was handed the winning Power Ball ticket by the Giants on Thursday, one major league executive chuckled and said, "someone better talk Omar [Minaya] off the ledge."  It was meant as a joke.  Then again, with the Mets' starting rotation full …

Marlins sign Aaron Boone to 1-year deal  —  MIAMI (AP) — The Florida Marlins signed infielder Aaron Boone to a $925,000, one-year contract on Friday, a move that gives one of baseball's youngest clubhouses another veteran and additional depth.  —  Boone, who turns 34 next March …

Suppan finalizes deal with Brewers  —  Veteran right-hander signs largest deal in club history  —  MILWAUKEE — Jeff Suppan passed a physical Friday morning, formally clearing his path into the Brewers' starting rotation.  —  Suppan and the team came to terms Christmas Eve on a free agent contract …

Yanks, D-Backs close to Unit deal  —  The Diamondbacks have been the most aggressive suitors for Randy Johnson and sources close to the negotiations said yesterday that the Yankees and Arizona could complete a trade to send Johnson back to the desert before next week.

Murcer surgery called a success  —  Bobby Murcer emerged in good spirits yesterday from six hours of surgery to remove a brain tumor and, according to close family sources, the Yankee legend's doctor was "completely happy" with how the operation went.  —  According to former Yankee publicist Marty Appel …

Tribe among Mulder's three suitors  —  Agent Gregg Clifton said Thursday that the Indians, Texas and St. Louis are the three finalists in the bidding for injured left-hander Mark Mulder.  —  Mulder wants a two-year deal to keep his options open as he recovers from rotator cuff surgery on his left shoulder.

A 'no' for Big Mac  —  Tainted McGwire fails to make my Hall of Fame ballot  —  Also in this column:  —  Upon seeing my filled-out Hall of Fame ballot, some will call me lenient, say I'm a soft touch or maybe even claim I'm a little too giddy with spiked eggnog this Holiday season.

Giants now have shot at NL West crown  —  It's a Happy New Year for Barry Zito and the San Francisco Giants.  —  The classy left-hander surprised a lot of people when he decided to remain in the Bay Area and inked a seven-year, $126 million pact with the Giants, the largest contract ever given …

1. Boston Red Sox: Wally the Green Monster  —  If you're a self-proclaimed Red Sox die-hard, then you hate Wally.  But everyone else seems to like him.  According to the Red Sox, Wally lived in the left field wall (aka the Green Monster) and didn't decide to show his face until 1997, the 50th anniversary of the wall.

Bombers reunion on tap in April  —  The Big Cat's big honor, induction into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, will likely extend beyond a formal banquet.  The Rockies are planning to honor the Blake Street Bombers in conjunction with Andres Galarraga's induction on April 10.

Ramirez sidelined with sore shoulder  —  Marlins shortstop to miss rest of Winter League  —  MIAMI (AP) — Hanley Ramirez, this year's top rookie in the National League, will miss the rest of the Dominican winter league season because of a left shoulder strain, but the Florida Marlins shortstop …

Ringolsby: Endorsed checks for Gwynn, Ripken  —  Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. represented what baseball would like to be during their playing careers.  —  Each played for only one team - Gwynn with San Diego for 20 years and Ripken with Baltimore for 21 - ignoring the lure of the bright lights …

More Fun With Rotation Numbers  —  My article on Wednesday, How Good Is Your #4 Starter, presented some counterintuitive findings on starting rotations, such as—big surprise—how good an average #4 starter is.  Due to injuries and the related fact that the guy who starts the year …

Poll: Who Do You Trust in Media  —  According to Lexis/Nexis and Google, since last Friday, no reporter or blogger had ever referenced a seven-year deal, the Giants and Barry Zito in the same article or post. … Who do you trust more?