Jeff Bagwell, arguably the greatest hitter in the history of the Astros, will not be back in the Lone Star State. The Astros on Tuesday announced they have declined to exercise their 2007 option on Bagwell's contract, ending a 15-year relationship with the ailing first baseman.

Yankees owner George Steinbrenner was hospitalized for the second time in three years after becoming ill while watching his granddaughter perform in a play. Steinbrenner was taken by paramedics to UNC Hospitals on Sunday, The Daily Tar Heel reported Tuesday. Steinbrenner was released Monday morning and returned to Tampa, Fla., spokesman Howard Rubenstein said.

Jeff Borris, agent for Barry Bonds, sounds ready to market Bonds aggressively, not to five teams, nor 10, nor even 15. "When you analyze the economics and demographics that Barry might mean to a franchise, I believe all 30 teams would be interested in him based on the revenue he could bring to the franchise," Borris said Monday. In fact, he said, "more than one team" has phoned to ask about Bonds since he filed for free agency Saturday.

The Cubs and Phillies have been the two teams who have been the most aggressive in dealing with Brian Cashman in regards to a trade for Gary Sheffield. Sources say that Brian Cashman has a trade in place that he could pull the trigger on immediately. A person familiar with the team's plans said "there is no urgency" to the process. The Yankees seem inclined to wait at least a little longer with the hope that the market for Sheffield improves.

The Baltimore Orioles, according to a team source, began preliminary discussions with Washington Nationals left fielder Alfonso Soriano, and were shocked by the free agent's initial contract outline. According to the source, Soriano is seeking a deal similar to the seven-year, $119 million deal given to center fielder Carlos Beltran by the New York Mets before the 2005 season. It's unlikely the Orioles will be in the running for Soriano if he doesn't back off those demands. Teams can start bidding on free agents on Nov. 12.

Carlos Lee is ready to cash in on his career season. Lee was among 39 players to file for free agency Monday, a list that also includes Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez and Cardinals postseason hero Scott Spiezio.

Tony La Russa has no plans to retire after his latest World Series win and the Cardinals manager said he's satisfied with how he handled the Kenny Rogers incident. La Russa, 62, is under contract through next season and said after joining Sparky Anderson as the only managers to win a title in both leagues that he'll come to spring training as enthusiastic as ever. "I assume they want me and I did check as I always check," La Russa said Sunday night. "It's kind of Hollywoodish, you win you quit. But it's burning very, very brightly."

If Mike Piazza returns to the Padres next season, it will have to be for less than $8 million. The Padres declined to exercise 2007 options for Piazza and slugger Ryan Klesko on Monday. The NL West champions will bring back Mike Cameron at $7 million and Russell Branyan at $1 million.

Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado had surgery for tennis elbow on his left arm Monday, his second operation in eight days. Delgado's right wrist was operated on Oct. 23 because of carpal tunnel syndrome. The Mets said they expect he will be ready for spring training in mid-February.

Harold Reynolds plans to sue ESPN over his departure from the network as a baseball analyst. Reynolds played 12 seasons and joined ESPN in 1996. "I have tried everything possible to handle this situation quietly behind closed doors. After numerous conversations and multiple mediation discussions with ESPN executives, it is clear that ESPN had no intention of solving this problem amicably," Reynolds said in a statement.