A-Rod wins third AL MVP award  —  Alex Rodriguez joined the Yankees in 2004 as the defending American League Most Valuable Player.  When he signs his new 10-year contract in the coming days, he will hold the same title.  —  A-Rod picked up his third career MVP award, joining an exclusive list …

Sources: Hunter could be on Sox within a week  —  Ken Williams has learned to accept fans and media often tossing him into what he refers to as "The Idiot of the Day Club.''  —  But the trade of Jon Garland to the Angels on Monday afternoon for shortstop Orlando Cabrera was …

Rivera to Yankees: I will accept offer  —  The three-year, $45M offer the Yankees put on the table to closer Mariano Rivera looks to be a done deal after he told the club he would accept the terms  —  Just over a week ago, the Yankees faced the possibility that they might have to seek replacements …

Reports indicate Lowell is staying put  —  Red Sox agree to three-year deal with veteran third baseman  —  BOSTON — Immediately after winning the World Series, the Red Sox placed a high priority on retaining the services of All-Star third baseman Mike Lowell.

Recap: Minaya on Conference Call  —  During a conference call with reporters tonight, Mets GM Omar Minaya said...  He discussed Jon Garland with the White Sox during the GM Meetings.  —  He looked in to David Eckstein, because he is 'a big Eckstein fan,' before signing Luis Castillo.

Orioles, Dodgers discuss trade  —  The Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles have discussed the parameters of a trade that would send left-hander Erik Bedard to the Dodgers for a package that includes 23-year-old outfielder Matt Kemp, according to a source familiar with the talks.

Mailbag: Price is not right for Giants  —  Beat reporter Chris Haft answers Giants fans' questions  —  I continue to read that the Giants may trade Tim Lincecum or even Matt Cain to obtain a power hitter, such as Miguel Cabrera.  I've been a keen observer of this game for over 50 years, and I feel such a move would be a huge mistake.

Catcher LaRue signs with Cardinals  —  St. Louis also inks Brazelton, Wasdin to Minor League deals  —  KANSAS CITY — Catcher Jason LaRue, a free agent from the Royals, has moved across the state.  LaRue signed a one-year contract with the Cardinals on Monday.  —  LaRue was signed as the backup catcher to Yadier Molina.

Park Chan-ho Sacrifices Dodgers Contract for Olympic Squad  —  Park Chan-ho has moved many Korean baseball fans by choosing loyalty to his country over his dreams.  In an announcement entitled "The Value of Loyalty" posted to his website (www.chanhopark61.com) on Monday …

Blue Jays report: Inside pitch  —  The Sports Xchange  —  In another sign of how valuable pitching has become in the big leagues, the Blue Jays are willing to offer right-hander Josh Towers salary arbitration, general manager J.P. Ricciardi said.  —  Towers is available in a trade scenario …

Astros close to signing utility infielder Blum  —  LIKE THIS STORY?  —  The Astros, seeking to add depth to their infield, are close to signing free agent Geoff Blum, according to major-league sources.  —  Blum, 34, likely will fill a utility role, and his playing time could hinge on whether …

Braves agree to terms with free-agent pitcher Tom Glavine  —  ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves announced today that they have agreed to terms with left-handed pitcher Tom Glavine on a one-year contract for the 2008 season.  Financial terms of the deal were not announced.

Is 'baddest dude' enough?  —  Rockies left fielder learns Tuesday if he's 2007 MVP  —  The criterion is succinct, decisive and leads to a conclusion about the Most Valuable Player without the need to weigh any statistics.  Call it the Don Baylor Method, a more intuitive way to determine the MVP.