The Rangers sign P Barret Loux as an amateur free agent. Loux was selected 6th overall in the first round of the most recent amateur draft by the Diamondbacks, but was not offered a contract after failing a physical due to shoulder and elbow issues. Commissioner Bud Selig declared Loux a free agent, while the D-Backs received an additional pick in the 2011 amateur draft as compensation.

The Pirates clean house, releasing three veteran players in one fell swoop – OF Delwyn Young, P Zach Duke and 3B Andy LaRoche. At the same time, the Pirates add five youngsters to their major league roster, illustrating the direction the team intends to take to attempt to end its multi-season losing streak.

The Tigers finalize a $16.5 million, three-year deal with reliever Joaquin Benoit, with the 33 year-old right-hander getting $5.5 million a year. The contract for the former Tampa Bay setup man is similar to the one given to Brandon Lyon, who filled the same role for Detroit before going to Houston in the 2009 offseason.

At a news conference at Minute Maid Park, Astros owner Drayton McLane announces he is putting the club up for sale. The 74 year-old entrepreneur, who purchased the franchise for about $117 million in 1992, tells the gathering, “it’s time to change and move forward.”