The New York Yankees appear to be close to wrapping up a deal with Oakland star Jason Giambi, now a prize free agent.

        The Yankees have used an abundance of resources in pursuing him. In addition to waving piles of money under the slugger's nose, they have used their calling cards.

        Giambi received phone calls from manager Joe Torre, Yankees legend Yogi Berra and New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. A phone call from Torre helped the Yanks land pitcher Mike Mussina last winter.

        SEEKING SMOLTZ:

        The Phillies would like to sign free agent pitcher and former Brave John Smoltz. The Phils are well aware Smoltz is an avid golfer and loves some of the courses in the Philadelphia area, so word has it they have dangled a membership to the Pine Valley course as inducement to get him to come to Philadelphia.

        With all due respect to the area's fine golf courses, the Phillies remain a long shot to land Smoltz, even though there have been indications they might be willing to offer him a three-year contract. The incumbent Braves, Dodgers, Yankees and Cardinals appear to be the leaders for Smoltz's services.

        SECOND CHOICES:

        With little chance of acquiring second baseman Roberto Alomar from the Indians, the Mets are casting a wider net for outfield help via trade.

        The Tigers' Bobby Higginson has told friends he's interested in playing in New York, and the Mets would like to start talks with the Angels regarding Darin Erstad.

        But the Mets are not tempted to pursue the Blue Jays' overpriced-but-available Raul Mondesi. And they haven't offered enough to interest the Dodgers in dealing Gary Sheffield.

        Mets general manager Steve Phillips said it's been an interesting week. Just when one door closes, “something else presents itself as an option. It seems to be an active trade market with discussion at this point.”

        Also in the works: The Mets are in the process of selling Benny Agbayani's rights to Japan's Yomiuri Giants. And Matt Lawton is being offered in several deals, notably with Glendon Rusch for strikeout-prone Brewers outfielder Jeromy Burnitz.

        But the Mets are still loathe to eat a significant chunk of Robin Ventura's and Todd Zeile's contracts to boost trading interest.

        WELLS RETURN?

        David Wells is making progress after back surgery, and he's working with a personal trainer. The free agent lefty wants to pitch for a team with a chance of winning, and his first choice is to return to the Yankees. He probably will not sign until after auditioning for scouts in mid-January.

        LOW ROLEN:

        Executives from other teams say the Phillies have made it known that Scott Rolen is available, but the price tag is steep. Indications are that interest is low, but it should pick up once the free agent logjam breaks.

        DIAMONDBACKS:

        Owners of the World Series champions could take a month to decide on a $160 million cash infusion.

        Jerry Colangelo, the team's managing general partner, says the money is needed to keep the team intact.

        The team's 23 investor groups have put $198 million into the team.

Reds Q&A with John Fay Reds should share Baseball insider Mets sign seven-time Japanese All-Star pitcher

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