Sox make Lowell an offer  —  3-year deal worth $12-15M per … ORLANDO, Fla. - The Red Sox [team stats] made what one club source yesterday called a "really strong" three-year guaranteed offer between $12 million and $15 million per year to Mike Lowell at the just-concluded general managers meetings.

A Little History Shows Why The MLBPA Talks Collusion  —  This evening, MLB Players Association (MLBPA) Executive Director Donald Fehr issued the following statement in which the MLBPA announced its plan to investigate comments attributed to MLB personnel with regards to the pending free agent market:

Mets GM Minaya wants to acquire frontline starter  —  ORLANDO, Fla. - The Mets departed the general managers' meetings yesterday cautiously optimistic that they'll have a chance to pursue their greatest offseason desire.  —  No, not Alex Rodriguez.  A frontline starting pitcher.

GM: Helton won't have to deal with trade rumors  —  ORLANDO, FLA. — It was 11 months ago during a workout at Coors Field that Todd Helton told teammates he expected to be traded to the Boston Red Sox.  —  Don't look for a similar seismic event this winter.

Notes: Cabrera talks heating up  —  Long-term contract could be sticking point in trade of slugger  —  MIAMI — A factor that could come into play in possibly trading Miguel Cabrera is getting the four-time All-Star signed to a multiyear contract.  —  Rumblings are surfacing that if a team parts …

Nationals interested in Andruw Jones  —  Gold Glover still unsure about where he will play next season  —  WASHINGTON — The Nationals would like free agent Andruw Jones to be their center fielder in 2008.  Would Jones like to be a member of the Nationals?  All he would say is, he has not made any decisions about his future.

Agent: Rocket considering Olympics  —  Clemens may pitch for Team USA during 2008 Summer Games  —  ORLANDO, Fla. — Roger Clemens may not play in the Major Leagues next season, but that doesn't mean he isn't going to play baseball.  —  Clemens, if healthy, would consider pitching for Team USA …

New York Mets  —  Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel.  All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible.

Boras continues to be champion of manipulating media  —  Just as it was with the Yankees, there is a prevailing opinion, presented as fact in the media, that it will benefit the Mets to overpay Alex Rodriguez because his presence would increase the value - and significantly enhance the ratings - of SportsNet New York.

Ordonez named Tiger of the Year  —  Prolific season one of the best in club history  —  DETROIT — This was one MVP-type award where Magglio Ordonez didn't have to worry about Alex Rodriguez.  —  The Detroit chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America made its Tiger …