Wood might return to Cubs' pen in '08  —  Pitcher Kerry Wood could return to the Cubs' bullpen in 2008 — although it might take getting a deal done in the next nine days.  —  Cliff Floyd is resigned to the likelihood that his first season with his hometown team will be his last.

Minaya: Wright, not A-Rod, the right man at third  —  The Mets remain open to the idea of pursuing Alex Rodriguez, but they have reiterated to David Wright that they are very happy with him as their starting third baseman.  —  Realistically, therefore, the Mets have no place to play A-Rod …

Astros will pursue free agent Castillo  —  LIKE THIS STORY?  —  The Mets, competing in a thin market for free-agent second basemen, will face a stiff challenge in their quest to re-sign Luis Castillo.  —  The Astros are preparing to make a strong run at Castillo, according to major-league sources …

Farrell, Wakefield will be staying put  —  Sox also exercise option on Tavarez  —  The Red Sox yesterday elected to pick up the contract options for 2008 on pitchers Tim Wakefield and Julian Tavarez, while pitching coach John Farrell released a statement through the club saying he planned …

Mets bring back Marlon Anderson in a pinch  —  The Mets won't let Marlon Anderson get away this time.  —  Anderson, who left to sign with the Nationals two winters ago when the Mets wouldn't offer a two-year contract, is expected to return to Flushing next season, the Daily News has learned.

Williams itching to start dealing  —  Sox GM says he has 'a definite plan'  —  With so many needs, Ken Williams won't stay under the radar this off-season.  —  In fact, the White Sox's general manager believes he's in position to pull off a trade, perhaps as soon as this week …

Marlins name Mark Wiley pitching coach  —  MIAMI — The Florida Marlins today named Mark Wiley their pitching coach, completing the coaching staff for the 2008 season.  The announcement was made by Marlins President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest.  —  "Mark [Wiley] is an accomplished …

Fogg files for free agency  —  'Dragon Slayer' is ninth player on team to do so  —  Right-handed pitcher Josh Fogg, who resurrected his career over the past two seasons with the Rockies, could parlay his recent success into a multiyear guarantee.  —  Fogg officially filed for free agency Friday …

Redbirds contact Schilling  —  The Cardinals have targeted postseason monster Curt Schilling as a potential short-term solution for their tattered starting rotation, and the righthander has reciprocated their interest.  —  Two days after having the interim removed from his title …

They normally let their bats do the talking  —  For a guy who doesn't talk to the media, Manny Ramirez looked mighty comfortable sitting beside Jay Leno last night.  Appearing on "The Tonight Show," Ramirez called Boston "one of the best cities ever," and said he and his teammates …

Shamed doctor gets two years in steroid case  —  'Grandmotherly' Santi wrote thousands of prescriptions  —  PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Short and stout, with gray ringlets of hair framing a round, bespectacled face, Ana Maria Santi looks the part of a doting grandmother.

Baker sees rosy future for Reds  —  Dusty Baker is putting away the microphone and breaking out the sweatbands and fungo bat.  He has completed the transition from Cubs manager to broadcaster to Cincinnati Reds manager, and can't wait to start getting some dirt under his fingernails.