Phils get ex-Astros closer Lidge in 5-player deal  —  ORLANDO, Fla. — The Philadelphia Phillies acquired reliever Brad Lidge from the Houston Astros in a five-player trade on Wednesday night.  —  The Phillies sent outfielder Michael Bourn, pitcher Geoff Geary and minor leaguer Mike Costanzo to Houston …

Red Sox sit down with Boras  —  Agent pitches Rodriguez to Epstein at meetings  —  ORLANDO, Fla. - Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein and his staff headed into a meeting with agent Scott Boras last night as good listeners.  —  There was no need to jump feetfirst into the Alex Rodriguez sweepstakes.

Rays look East to bolster pen  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA - The Rays' search for relief help may again lead to Japan.  —  Right-handers Kazuo Fukumori and Masahide Kobayashi are among several pitchers eligible to leave as free agents, and the Rays have been linked to both in Japanese media reports.

Nats in market for outfield, pitching help  —  Hunter, Baldelli, Rowand, Andruw Jones all possibilities  —  WASHINGTON — The Nationals made progress under manager Manny Acta in 2007.  They avoided a last-place finish for the first time since '03, when they were known as the Expos, and improved their defense and pitching.

Clemens to work for Astros, may be done playing  —  ORLANDO, Fla. — Roger Clemens is ready to join the Houston Astros — as a consultant.  —  In a sign that Clemens' pitching career could be over, his agent told the Astros on Wednesday that the seven-time Cy Young winner is set to start his personal-services contract with the team.

Texas Rangers need extra dollars to make sense  —  Whenever the Texas Lottery grows above $10 million, I pick up a few tickets.  (Who wants to waste their time with a piddling amount like $4 or $5 million?)  By the time I get home, I've got the annual payment figured out, the money divvied up and my new lifestyle already settled.

If Rodriguez Price Falls, Mets Might Be Interested  —  The Mets had a meeting Wednesday with Scott Boras, the agent for third baseman Alex Rodriguez, staying on the fringes of negotiations for the marquee free agent of the off-season.  —  There are no indications that the Mets …

Reliever Dotel joins free-agent field  —  Available players can start talking with other clubs Tuesday  —  ATLANTA — If Octavio Dotel returns to the Braves for the 2008 season, his salary will likely be less than he'd hoped.  —  As expected the Braves declined his $5.5 million option …

Rogers to test free-agent market  —  Veteran southpaw hasn't ruled out return to Detroit  —  DETROIT — The Tigers received the answer they hoped to hear from Kenny Rogers, at least in terms of whether he wants to pitch again.  Now, they're worried about where he'll pitch again …