Adrian Beltre's signing with the Rangers was another major blow to the Angels, who haven't added anyone more significant than reliever Scott Downs this winter. They had seemed a perfect fit for Beltre, as third base is a glaring weakness, but owner Arte Moreno believes increased payroll would force him to raise ticket prices. He has kept the Angels' average ticket price at $19, lowest in the American League according to Team Marketing Report. The Angels drew 3.25 million fans a year ago, ranking fifth in the majors. The four teams that outdrew them (Yankees, Phillies, Dodgers and Cardinals) charged an average of $30 to $52 per ticket. … Talks between the Cardinals and Albert Pujols have begun amid optimism about an extension. Could the Angels be keeping their options open to have flexibility to make a run for Pujols? The Yankees and Red Sox wouldn't seem to have a first base need and it's not clear whether teams like the Cubs, Mets and Dodgers would have the appetite for a $30 million-a-year player. … With Michael Young moving to DH, the Rangers no longer are talking about re-signing Vladimir Guerrero. He joins Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome on the list of Hall of Fame-caliber hitters in search of teams. … After losing free-agent target Cliff Lee to the Phillies and haggling with Derek Jeter over a contract extension, the Yankees now say they're unwilling to lose their first-round pick to sign any other free agent, meaning they are out on Rafael Soriano. Should the White Sox sign Soriano, he would cost them a second-round pick as they lost their first-rounder when they added Adam Dunn. … The Twins are encouraged about re-signing Carl Pavano, a development that could add to the White Sox's interest in Soriano. … Edgar Renteria is a good signing for the Reds. The World Series hero replaces Orlando Cabrera.