The Cardinals sign free agent OF Carlos Beltran to a two-year deal for $26 million. He will play right field, while last season’s starter there, Lance Berkman, will slide over to 1B to try to replace Albert Pujols.

ByTom

The Cardinals sign free agent OF Carlos Beltran to a two-year deal for $26 million. He will play right field, while last season’s starter there, Lance Berkman, will slide over to 1B to try to replace Albert Pujols.

The Nationals pry young All-Star starting pitcher ­Gio Gonzalez from the Athletics, giving up four prospects in return: Ps Brad Peacock, Tom Milone and A.J. Cole and C Derek Norris. Gonzalez’s trade follows that of fellow young starter Trevor Cahill by a few weeks and indicates that the A’s are not looking to be competitive for the next couple of seasons, yet they will surprise everyone by winning the AL West title in 2012.

ByTom

The Nationals pry young All-Star starting pitcher ­Gio Gonzalez from the Athletics, giving up four prospects in return: Ps Brad Peacock, Tom Milone and A.J. Cole and C Derek Norris. Gonzalez’s trade follows that of fellow young starter Trevor Cahill by a few weeks and indicates that the A’s are not looking to be competitive for the next couple of seasons, yet they will surprise everyone by winning the AL West title in 2012.

The White Sox sign starter John Danks to a 5-year contract extension for $65 million, while in other signings, P Jason Marquis goes to Minnesota, utility player Mark DeRosa heads to Washington, P Manuel Corpas goes to the Cubs and C Rob Johnson to the Mets.

ByTom

The White Sox sign starter John Danks to a 5-year contract extension for $65 million, while in other signings, P Jason Marquis goes to Minnesota, utility player Mark DeRosa heads to Washington, P Manuel Corpas goes to the Cubs and C Rob Johnson to the Mets.