Just call Pirates prospect Ian Snell the player to be renamed later. Snell is returning to his birth name after being known as Ian Oquendo for three seasons. He took his wife's last name when the couple had a baby in 2000. Snell was kidded when he initially changed his name, but he said there were personal reasons behind the decision that he doesn't consider to be a joking matter.

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Ivan Rodriguez and the Detroit Tigers were on the verge of agreeing to a $40 million, four-year contract. The 10-time All-Star catcher will be examined in Texas today by Dr. Andrew Dossett, who is the spine consultant to the Rangers. An agreement could be announced as early as tomorrow. A team option for 2008 could make the contract worth $50 million over five years, one unidentified source said.

Melvin Mora agreed to a $10.5 million, three-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles, avoiding salary arbitration. The deal includes performance bonuses.

Darren Oliver agreed to a $750,000, one-year contract with the Florida Marlins, a deal contingent on passing a physical.

Todd Zeile agreed to a $1 million, one-year contract with the New York Mets.

Tyler Houston and Darren Bragg have agreed to minor-league contracts with the New York Yankees. Houston would get a $900,000, one-year contract if he is added to New York's roster, Bragg would get $400,000.

Dean Palmer announced his retirement a month after signing a minor-league contract with the Detroit Tigers.

The Washington Wild Things announced several changes on the 2004 roster. Center fielder Doug Garcia was traded to Windy City for a second-round draft pick. Jeff Albert, Orlando Cruz, Matt Johnson, Matt Rollins, Ryan Ellis, Ben Ally and Jason Kane will not return for the Wild Things in 2004.