Sources: Cards optimistic about talks  —  There is increased optimism within the St. Louis Cardinals organization that the team is going to reach a deal with free-agent outfielder Matt Holliday, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney on Tuesday.  —  Holliday

With Bay signed, Adrian Gonzalez Sweepstakes begin  —  The Padres have had preliminary talks about a possible contract extension for Adrian Gonzalez, who has two more years on his current deal.  But it would appear to be very, very unlikely for the Padres to sign Gonzalez beyond 2011, given his potential market stature.

Lotta loot for guy with lotta  —  Jason Bay still has to pass a physical (no sure thing).  He still has to pass a stink test that he actually wants to be a Met (no sure thing).  And he still has to pass through several hundred games as a two-way player (no sure thing).

Mets get Bay for 4 years, $66M  —  The Mets have reached agreement on a four-year, $66 million agreement with Jason Bay pending a physical, The Post has learned.  —  Mets officials refused to confirm the agreement, largely because the results of a physical are not complete and the Mets …

Olney On Adrian, Pineiro, Holliday, Orioles  —  The latest from Buster Olney's ESPN blog...  - Despite preliminary talks, Olney finds a Padres extension for Adrian Gonzalez to be “very, very unlikely.”  — The Dodgers “are in the chase” for free agent starter Joel Pineiro, with the Angels and Mets other suitors.

Source: Mets agree to deal with Jason Bay  —  The Mets have reached an agreement with free-agent outfielder Jason Bay, according to a major-league source.  —  The four-year deal is worth $66 million, with a vesting option for a fifth year, according to the source.

Cards intensify Holliday hunt  —  St. Louis reportedly offering outfielder $16M per year  —  In the afterglow of Jason Bay's agreement with the Mets, which could stretch to five years and about $80 million, the Cardinals reportedly have intensified their pursuit of their left fielder, Matt Holliday.