Pods' payoff pitch to Unit  —  The Yankees are still working to trade Randy Johnson, and while the Diamondbacks still seem like the Big Unit's most likely destination, the Padres have made what a Southern California newspaper termed their "final offer" for Johnson.

Source: Pineiro expected to sign with Red Sox … Free-agent pitcher Joel Pineiro is closing in on a one-year deal with the Boston Red Sox, two baseball sources told ESPN.com.  The deal is believed to be worth a guaranteed $4 million plus incentives, and is conditional on Pineiro passing a physical exam.

Mets target free-agent pitchers  —  The Mets are open to any and all ideas when it comes to improving their starting rotation.  But right now, the most likely path to an upgrade appears to be free agency.  —  While most of the big names have signed, the Mets have interest in Tony Armas Jr. …

Around the Horn: Catchers  —  Miller gearing up for new role as reserve backstop in 2007 … MILWAUKEE — Brewers catcher Damian Miller spent some time last summer talking about preparation with Jeff Cirillo, a fellow veteran who successfully made the transition from full-time starter to part-time fill-in.

Embattled Ponson agrees to minor league deal with Twins  —  CBS SportsLine.com wire reports  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Sidney Ponson will try again this spring to revive his once-promising career, and the Minnesota Twins will feel a little bit better about their rotation if he's successful.

Loretta won't be coming to Rangers  —  Free agent infielder Mark Loretta, to whom the Rangers extended a contract offer last month, has told the club he will sign elsewhere, a club source said Wednesday.  —  That means chances continue to improve that either or both of the club's top …

A's GM to join NetSuite board  —  Billy Beane, the Oakland A's general manager who used the power of statistics to build a winning baseball franchise, now is trying his approach with a fast-growing software company.  —  He's not leaving the A's but joining the board of directors …

Cards have chance to keep Mulder  —  As the pursuit of free agent lefthander Mark Mulder nears a resolution, Texas and Cleveland have recently upped the ante on the Cardinals.  But as promised, the pitcher's agent is circling back to the Cardinals to give them a chance to revise their proposal.

Study claims imaging tests show larger rubber core  —  CLEVELAND — A company that uses computer imaging claims baseballs had a larger rubberized core and a synthetic rubber ring in 1998, including the ball Mark McGwire hit for his 70th homer.  —  Universal Medical Systems Inc. said Wednesday …

Zito to A's fans: Seats available  —  SAN FRANCISCO - For $126 million, the Giants are getting more than a pitcher in Barry Zito.  They're getting a pitch man.  —  "Oakland fans, if you guys are bored while the A's are out of town, come on over," Zito said Wednesday.  "I think we've got some seats for you."

Ramirez won't resume winter ball  —  Shortstop denied request due to recent shoulder injury  —  MIAMI — The competitor in Hanley Ramirez wanted to keep playing winter ball, despite a recent shoulder injury.  The Marlins, however, had other ideas.  —  On Tuesday night …