The Royals trade hurler Billy Buckner to the Diamondbacks for switch-hitter Alberto Callaspo. Kansas City’s new player is an infielder, who appeared in 56 games for the NL West champs, mostly in a pinch-hitting role, and Arizona receives a pitcher who compiled a 1-2 record with a 5.29 ERA in 34 innings of work last season.

In an effort to fill the void created by Delmon Young’s trade to the Twins, the Rays sign Cliff Floyd (.284, 9, 45) to a $3 million, one-year deal to play right field in Tampa Bay. The veteran 35 year-old left-handed fly chaser has been a productive hitter during his 15-year major league career but has had difficulty staying off the disabled list.

David Eckstein (.309, 3, 31) and the Blue Jays finalized a $4.5 million, one-year deal which brings the short-statured shortstop north of the border. The 32 year-old All-Star infielder’s leadership and attitude played an important role on his previous two teams, the Angels and Cardinals, in winning the World Series in 2002 and 2006, respectively.

The Oakland Athletics trade 2007 All-Star Game starting pitcher Dan Haren and Connor Robertson to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for Brett Anderson, Dana Eveland, Greg Smith, Chris Carter, Aaron Cunningham and Carlos Gonzalez. Oakland is hoping to repeat the success of the proven player for prospects type of arrangement that netted them Haren and others in the past.