Touching 'em All

With David Ortiz struggling at the plate because of a bad left shoulder, the Red Sox must regret not getting Jermaine Dye from the White Sox at the trade deadline. Headed for free agency after the season, Dye (right) at week's end was hitting .351 with five home runs in August and led the majors in slugging since the All-Star break. Now he's likely to re-sign with Chicago.... Chunichi Dragons outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, 30, the reigning Japan Central League MVP, will have season-ending surgery to remove bone fragments in his right elbow but will still be one of the most coveted free agents next winter. He'll command a four- to five-year deal worth up to $15 million a year.... In April the Cubs pulled their offer of a five-year, $85 million extension to Carlos Zambrano, but it appears the righthander won't suffer for it. After starting the season 5--5 with a 5.62 ERA, Zambrano has gone 9--3 with a 2.06 ERA and stands to get a better deal.