If the Hall of Fame never calls on Alan Trammell, he is fine with it. "I'd prefer it that way, to be honest with you," Trammell said once when asked about the fact that none of the 1984 world championship Tigers are in the Hall of Fame. "And I think people would agree to it. Maybe people are looking at us as not exactly superstars, but a team. That's the way we were taught and that's the way we played every day."

Though the chance of Pwdro Martinez pitching before the All-Star break is quite slim, the pitcher himself is no longer so. While rehabilitating his surgically repaired right shoulder, he has added 10 pounds of self-described muscle. "That's one of our strategies," Martinez said Saturday in the Dominican Republic, where he made an appearance at a charity softball game staged by former Red Sox teammate David Ortiz. The Associated Press reported as much and also quoted Martinez as saying he is "aiming for July or August as the return date." The Mets have said they expected his return in August.

Vladimir Guerrero's aching right knee that bothered him last season feels better and won't require surgery. Guerrero, who participated in a charity softball game Saturday in the Dominican Republic organized by Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, told The Associated Press that the Angels were considering surgery. "They were going to operate on me, but it wasn't necessary because I had a good recovery," he said.

Adam LaRoche remains a player the Pirates are interested in acquiring via trade, but they continue to have no answer for the Braves' wish for a leadoff-hitting type in addition to closer Mike Gonzalez. The Pirates' only player in that mold is center fielder Chris Duffy, but they believe they have no replacement if he is dealt.

According to a person with knowledge of the negotiations, the Randy Johnson trade proceedings have hit a serious roadblock. As part of an agreement for waiving his no-trade clause, Johnson is looking for an extension, but the Diamondbacks, who already owe Johnson about $40 million in deferred money, apparently are looking for a way to factor some of that cash into the extension.

At about 2 a.m. on Saturday morning, the Orioles agreed in principle on a three-year, $20 million deal with free agent Aubrey Huff, several industry sources confirmed. Huff, a 30-year-old who can play first and third base and both corner outfield spots though is primarily valued for his bat, is expected to take a physical in Baltimore this week, possibly Wednesday. The deal will be finalized and announced if he passes his physical. "All that is left is a physical and dotting the I's and crossing the T's," said one source familiar with the negotiations.

The Orioles have made a contract offer to Aubrey Huff, one of the most accomplished players left on the free-agent market. Exact details of the contract offer are unknown, but one industry source said the Orioles proposed a three-year deal to Huff, worth in the neighborhood of $6 million per season.

Doug Mientkiewicz is still a player of interest for the Yankees, which could use him to platoon at first base with Andy Phillips or Josh Phelps. "We'll see if something develops," agent Casey Close said. "I can't say if anything will develop before the new year."

Hanley Ramirez suffered a left shoulder strain while sliding into second base Wednesday playing for Licey in the Dominican Republic. Marlins team doctor Dan Kanell examined Ramirez on Friday and determined he didn't sustain any structural damage. Ramirez was prescribed rest and may undergo a follow up exam in another week. Though he should heal in time to continue playing for Licey, the Marlins will probably nix a return to make sure he's healthy for spring training.

The Yankees and Diamondbacks have moved even closer to a Randy Johnson trade, and there is now such momentum, executives from both organizations strongly believe a deal will ultimately be completed despite what one termed "a lot of issues to resolve." They key item is just how much of the $16 million Johnson is owed for 2007 the Yanks are willing to pick up and/or how much Johnson is willing to redirect toward a 2008 extension.