Mets pick up option on outfielder Moises Alou; Re-sign Damion Easley  —  The New York Mets today announced they have picked up the club's $7.5 million option on outfielder Moises Alou for 2008.  In addition, the Mets re-signed free agent infielder Damion Easley to a one-year, $950,000 contract.

AL Elias rankings  —  American League slugger David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox led all major league players with a 100 ranking.  Other top performers at their positions included Jorge Posada of the New York Yankees, Michael Young of the Texas Rangers and Johan Santana of the Minnesota Twins.

Andy Pettitte: I'll play for Yankees or no one  —  Andy Pettitte told a Houston television station on Tuesday that he would only play for the Yankees if he decides to return for the 2008 season.  (Newsday / Paul J. Bereswill)  —  Andy Pettitte said during the season that he would either return to the Yankees or retire.

Towers confident Maddux will be back with new deal  —  The Padres and Greg Maddux's agent have discussed new contractual terms, pegging Maddux's 2008 salary at or near the $10 million he earned last season.  A deal would keep the No. 3 starter off the free-agent market.

Halos broadcasters up for Frick Award  —  Physioc, Mota and Pi-Gonzalez on this year's ballot  —  Balloting for the 2008 Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting excellence is underway, with fans given the opportunity to vote for as many as three baseball broadcasters.

Cards hire Mozeliak to replace Jocketty  —  The Cardinals will announce John Mozeliak as their next general manager today at a 3 p.m. press conference after formally offering him the job Tuesday evening, club sources confirm.  —  Mozeliak accepted a three-year contract shortly after discussions broke …

Patterson joins free agent CF class  —  Orioles speedster officially files for free agency  —  BALTIMORE — Corey Patterson filed for free agency Wednesday, joining a celebrated class of center fielders that also includes Atlanta's Andruw Jones and Minnesota's Torii Hunter.

Time for Braves to get Griffey  —  Let's try this again.  After all, we've typed these words before, but never have they made more sense.  The Braves need a center fielder until their youngsters are ready, and veteran Ken Griffey Jr. loves Bobby Cox, the accomplished Braves manager …

Reds pick up slugger Dunn's $13M option for '08  —  CINCINNATI — The Reds picked up outfielder Adam Dunn's contract option for $13 million on Wednesday, answering their most expensive offseason question by keeping their top power hitter.  —  The Reds also picked up the $1.85 million option …

Dodgers, Torre are near deal  —  Colletti says he's the top choice, and Selig grants the team an exemption of having to interview a minority candidate.  —  The Dodgers moved closer to making Joe Torre their next manager, receiving permission from Commissioner Bud Selig's office on Wednesday …

BoSox's 2007 final-out Series ball goes missing  —  Last ball goes from Varitek to Papelbon to mystery  —  BOSTON (AP) — The last ball from Boston's 2007 World Series victory might not get back to the Red Sox, after all.  —  Jason Varitek caught the final strikeout Sunday night to complete …

Cora expected to interview with Pirates  —  PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates plan to talk to Chicago White Sox bench coach Joey Cora about their manager's job, which has been open for nearly a month.  —  The Pirates have sought a manager since Jim Tracy was let go Oct. 5 after two seasons …