Agent: Fukudome's move decision due next week … Outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, a hot commodity on baseball's free agent market, plans to make a formal announcement early next week on whether he will remain in Japan in 2008 or pursue offers to play in the United States, his agent said.

Getting Help for Bullpen Moves to Yankees' Front Burner  —  The Yankees left the winter meetings Thursday with one new relief pitcher and a lot of public optimism about their pitching prospects.  But young starters need to be supported by strong relievers, and the Yankees' bullpen is a free-for-all before closer Mariano Rivera.

Brewers trade for Pirates' Torres  —  Before leaving the winter meetings Thursday in Nashville, Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said he was looking for "one more arm out there" for his bullpen.  —  He found that arm Friday.  —  Continuing to retool his bullpen after the losses …

Going, going Gagne  —  The Rangers have announced that they are dropping out of the bidding for free agent Eric Gagne.  While no specific reason was given, Jon Daniels said Thursday he hoped to have closure on some issues quickly.  The Rangers were not willing to give Gagne two guaranteed seasons.

Marlins seeking new face at third base  —  Cantu on radar; offer rumored for Phillies' Helms  —  MIAMI — The Marlins are aggressively searching the market for a third baseman.  In fact, they may end up acquiring several choices for the job.  —  One of the more likely options is Jorge Cantu, who was put on waivers by the Reds.

Rays taking patient approach to next move  —  The Dodgers' Andre Ethier is on the Rays' radar for a lefty bat.  —  NASHVILLE - The end of the winter meetings could be the start of the Rays' push for a left-handing-hitting outfielder.  —  Executive vice presidentAndrew Friedman flew home Thursday afternoon …

BBWAA rescinds strict resolution  —  Association willing to negotiate on player awards, bonuses  —  Retreating from the hardline it adopted at the recent Winter Meetings, the Baseball Writers' Association of America has decided on a moratorium on its resolution to disqualify from its awards players who can earn bonuses through them.

Barrett to stay with Pads ... for now  —  LIKE THIS STORY?  —  Free-agent catcher Michael Barrett has accepted the Padres' offer of salary arbitration, but that doesn't mean he will open next season in San Diego.  —  The Padres are exploring trade possibilities for Barrett …

Everything you want to know about Miguel Tejada and the Astros.  —  1. Yes, the Orioles and Astros had intense discussions about a deal involving SS Miguel Tejada.  Yes, the Orioles believe the Astros have enough talent to make the deal work.  No, the two sides were never close to a deal.

Red Sox spring training schedule  —  The Red Sox today released their 2008 spring training schedule, which is a bit abbreviated thanks to their regular season-opening trip to Japan.  —  The Sox will play 22 games in Florida, down from 30 last season, though they'll only play three fewer games …

A's the hot pick to sign Bonds  —  (12-07) 04:00 PST Nashville — If they had decided to rebuild, the A's wouldn't have a spot for Barry Bonds.  —  However, the club is intact as the winter meetings end, and Oakland is considered the hot pick to sign the free-agent outfielder despite …

Bonds Pleads Not Guilty  —  Barry Bonds, baseball's all-time home run king, pleaded not guilty Friday in U.S. District Court to charges that he lied to investigators about his use of performance-enhancing drugs four years ago.  —  In his first court appearance since his indictment on Nov. 15 …