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.

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.

Four persons come out to accuse long-time Philadelphia, PA columnist and Spink Award winner Bill Conlin of having molested them when they were children. Conlin abruptly retires from the Philadelphia Daily News, while the BBWAA is criticized for issuing an initial statement that defends its long-time member without expressing any sympathy for the alleged victims.

The Padres acquire P Ryan Kelly from Texas for C Luis Martinez.

The Reds continue to acquire players in preparation for a run at what appears to be a wide-open NL Central division in 2012. Today, they get lefty reliever Sean Marshall from the Cubs in return for P Travis Wood and two players to be named, who turn out to be OF Dave Sappelt and IF Ronald Torreyes.

The Royals sign lefty reliever Jose Mijares to a one-year deal, the Phillies add IF Hector Luna and OF Luis Montanez, but lose IF Carlos Rivero, claimed off waivers by the Nationals, while the Indians sign 3B Andy LaRoche.

2011 – Among free agents signing today are 3B Casey Blake, who goes to Colorado; SS Yuniesky Betancourt, who heads back to Kansas City one year after being dealt; and P Ryota Igarashi and 1B Jeff Clement who both ink deals with Pittsburgh.

The Phillies finalize a $33 million, three-year deal with Jimmy Rollins (.268, 16, 63), which includes a vesting option for 2015 at $11 million. The 33 year-old shortstop has been an integral part of Philadelphia’s recent success of winning five consecutive NL East titles and the 2008 world championship.

The Diamondbacks sign free agent OF Jason Kubel and the Nationals offer OF Mike Cameron a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.