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.

Pirates trade Torres to Brewers for two prospects  —  The Pirates added to their need for right-handed relief today by trading Salomon Torres to the Milwaukee Brewers for prospects Marino Salas and Kevin Roberts.  —  Salas, a 26-year-old right-handed reliever, had 17 saves and a 2.77 ERA …

YANKEES AIM TO PEN DOWN RELIEF  —  The Yankees' No. 1 goal heading into the Winter Meetings was to land Johan Santana.  When that didn't happen, the Yankees focused on upgrading a bullpen that has Kyle Farnsworth in far too important of a role.  —  Yesterday, the bullpen took another hit …

Cubs could fit Roberts into plan  —  NASHVILLE — The latest name to crawl across the Cubs' radar screen is Baltimore second baseman Brian Roberts, a two-time All-Star who would cost them a couple of top prospects in return.  —  General manager Jim Hendry met Tuesday with former Cubs president …

No backup plan  —  Crisp expects to start … NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Coco Crisp [stats] has no intention of entering a scenario where he has to compete for the starting center field job.  —  That was the message Crisp's agent, Steve Comte, relayed yesterday, coming just minutes after the Red Sox …

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

Chamberlain Says Prospect of Starting or Pitching Relief is 'Win-Win'  —  Pitcher Joba Chamberlain is reaping the rewards of his sensational first season with the Yankees.  He is doing nothing, or almost nothing.  —  "When the season ended, I took some time off," he said yesterday …