San Diego names Jason McLeod as the team’s assistant general manager. The former Red Sox director of amateur scouting is hired by the team’s new GM Jed Hoyer, who also comes from Boston and served in the same capacity working as Theo Epstein’s assistant before joining the club

The Red Sox have found their new shortstop, after struggling with Jed Lowrie, Julio Lugo, Nick Green and Alex Gonzalez in 2009. Free agent Marcos Scutaro signs a two-year deal worth $11 million, with an option for a third year. Ironically, Gonzalez signed with the Blue Jays earlier this week, where he will fill Scutaro’s shoes.

The A’s trade right-handed pitcher Jeff Gray and minor league prospects Matt Spencer and Ronny Morla to the Cubs in exchange for infielders Jake Fox and Aaron Miles along with cash considerations. With the addition of Fox added to their lineup, Oakland gets a much-needed power boost from the right side of the plate.

2009 – Free agent 2B Placido Polanco signs a three-year $18 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he is expected to replace 3B Pedro Feliz.

The Braves and left-hander Billy Wagner come to terms on a $7 million, one-year deal for the southpaw to become the club’s closer, replacing Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez. The six-time All-Star, who missed most of last season due to elbow surgery, was traded by the Mets to the Red Sox in late August after the reliever showed he still has a live fastball in his initial appearance off the disabled list in New York.

The Atlanta Braves sign reliever Billy Wagner to a one-year, $7 million contract. Wagner missed most of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery but came back in August to pitch 2 games for the New York Mets and then post a 1.98 ERA in 13 games after being traded to the Boston Red Sox.