Mets acquire catcher Johnny Estrada  —  The New York Mets announced today that they have acquired catcher Johnny Estrada from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for righthanded pitcher Guillermo Mota.  —  "Johnny adds depth to our catching situation," said Mets General Manager Omar Minaya.

Rockies left holding empty awards bag  —  RocKKKies.  —  Three strikeouts.  —  Down in order: Tulowitzki, Hurdle, Holliday.  —  ROCKTOBER, followed by NOvember.  —  NO R-E-S-P-E-C-T, NO R-O-C-K-I-E-S.  —  The greatest late-season run to the playoffs in Major League Baseball history was rewarded with a shutout.

Podsednik given his release by Sox  —  Veteran battles injuries in 2007; Owens makes him expendable  —  CHICAGO — Scott Podsednik's legacy on the South Side of Chicago will be permanently etched as part of the White Sox landscape through a blue seat in right-center field amongst a sea of green at U.S. Cellular Field.

Indians sign Japanese RHP Kobayashi  —  CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians became the latest team to tap into Japan's talented pitching pool, agreeing Tuesday to a $6.25 million, two-year contract with free-agent closer Masahide Kobayashi.  —  ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reports the deal is worth $6.25 million.

Lowell Opts for Comfort and Stays With Red Sox  —  Mike Lowell wanted to keep playing third base for the Boston Red Sox, but he also wanted a four-year deal.  The Red Sox wanted to re-sign Lowell, but they did not want to give him a contract for more than three years.

Two prospects make camp with Marlins  —  Minor Leaguers Miller, Nestor will join club for Spring Training  —  MIAMI — A couple of prospects from the 2003 First-Year Player Draft will be getting a look at big league camp for the Marlins when Spring Training opens in February.

Mariano Rivera takes 3-year deal for $45 million from Yankees  —  Mariano Rivera did what he does best Monday: He closed the deal.  —  Rivera, the team's All-Star closer, agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract, remaining in the only big-league uniform he has ever worn.

Yankees sign RHP Scott Patterson; Add three others to roster  —  The New York Yankees announced today they have signed right-handed pitcher Scott Patterson to a Major League contract and added catcher Francisco Cervelli and right-handed pitchers Jeffrey Marquez and Steven White to the 40-man roster.

Notes: Pettitte watch begins  —  Following holiday break, Girardi looks to talk to lefty about '08  —  NEW YORK — If Joe Girardi's reasoning is correct, Andy Pettitte may be getting to a point where the baseball bug is biting, where thoughts of retirement can be put off for one more World Series pursuit.

Royals announce 40-man roster  —  KANSAS CITY — The Kansas City Royals have set their winter 40-man roster.  The Royals have selected catcher Matt Tupman, infielder Mario Lisson, left-handed pitcher Tyler Lumsden and right-handed pitcher Julio Pimentel to the Major League 40-man roster.

Padres sign Adrian Gonzalez's brother to minor league deal  —  SAN DIEGO (AP) -The Padres agreed to terms Tuesday with four minor league free agents, including infielder Edgar Gonzalez, the older brother of San Diego first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.  —  Gonzalez played in 126 games for Triple …

Phillies acquire OF Chris Snelling from Rays for cash  —  PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Phillies acquired outfielder Chris Snelling from the Tampa Bay Rays for cash on Tuesday.  —  Snelling hit a combined .246 with one home run and seven RBIs in 30 games with Washington and Oakland this year.

John McDonough resigns as President of the Chicago Cubs  —  CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs today announced John McDonough resigned as president of the Chicago Cubs to accept a position as president of the Chicago Blackhawks.  Crane Kenney, to whom McDonough reported, will continue overseeing …