31.   Good deal The Astros went to the winter meetings with a glut of outfielders and hoped to deal one for help elsewhere, but were finding no takers.

32.   Gingrich did not comment himself Friday, although he was greeted with a standing ovation when he appeared before the Republican National Committee at its winter meeting in Washington.

33.   He started the day at the winter meeting of the Republican National Committee, where he renewed his pledge to push the GOP to reach out.

34.   He was not, he reiterated for the third time in three days of the winter meetings, considering Rodriguez.

35.   He said he expects the issue to be talked about this year at the winter meetings and teams must agree on a plan before a vote is held.

36.   His signing at the winter meetings here completed a revamped Mets lineup that will include the newly acquired Robin Ventura and Bobby Bonilla.

37.   However, the Mariners entered the winter meetings looking for a starting second baseman, starting third baseman, starting left fielder and, if possible, starting pitcher.

38.   However, Stoneman was quick to point out that there was no trading deadline at the just-concluded winter meetings.

39.   If the ensuing days resemble Friday, the winter meetings may indeed be a thing of the past, at least in the traditional sense.

40.   In addition to landing a quality hitter this offseason, the Blue Jays plan to hire a new manager before the winter meetings.