The Cubs agree to a $15 million, three-year deal with Texas free-agent Marlon Byrd (.283, 20, 89) to fill the void in the outfield created when an agitated Milton Bradley was traded to Seattle. Chicago’s new outfielder will patrol centerfield, replacing Kosuke Fukudome, who will move over to right field.

The Cubs agree to a $15 million, three-year deal with Texas free-agent Marlon Byrd (.283, 20, 89) to fill the void in the outfield created when an agitated Milton Bradley was traded to Seattle. Chicago’s new outfielder will patrol centerfield, replacing Kosuke Fukudome, who will move over to right field.

The Red Sox, a team which has tried seven regular shortstops since trading Nomar Garciaparra to the Cubs in 2004, sign Marco Scutaro to a deal that guarantees the 34 year-old infielder to a $12.5 million, two-year deal to fill the void. The former utility player with the Mets and A’s had a career year last season for the Blue Jays after becoming their everyday shortstop with Toronto in 2008.

The Red Sox, a team which has tried seven regular shortstops since trading Nomar Garciaparra to the Cubs in 2004, sign Marco Scutaro to a deal that guarantees the 34 year-old infielder to a $12.5 million, two-year deal to fill the void. The former utility player with the Mets and A’s had a career year last season for the Blue Jays after becoming their everyday shortstop with Toronto in 2008.

The Seoul Heroes conduct a fire sale. Banned from making major trades until their league entry fee is paid off, they make three deals that involve incoming cash going to the Korea Baseball Organization to pay off their fees. They ship away their top hitter, Taek-keun Lee, to the LG Twins for Byung-woo Kang, Young-bok Park and cash; pitcher Hyun-seung Lee goes to the Doosan Bears for Min-chul Keum and cash and Won-sam Jang is sent to the Samsung Lions for Sung-hun Park, Sang-soo Kim and cash.

The Seoul Heroes conduct a fire sale. Banned from making major trades until their league entry fee is paid off, they make three deals that involve incoming cash going to the Korea Baseball Organization to pay off their fees. They ship away their top hitter, Taek-keun Lee, to the LG Twins for Byung-woo Kang, Young-bok Park and cash; pitcher Hyun-seung Lee goes to the Doosan Bears for Min-chul Keum and cash and Won-sam Jang is sent to the Samsung Lions for Sung-hun Park, Sang-soo Kim and cash.

The Giants sign Mark DeRosa to a two-year deal. The versatile player may be used at third base next season, displacing Pablo Sandoval to first, or could fill in at a number of positions.

The Giants sign Mark DeRosa to a two-year deal. The versatile player may be used at third base next season, displacing Pablo Sandoval to first, or could fill in at a number of positions.

The Mets sign P Kelvim Escobar to a one-year deal. Escobar missed all of 2008 and made only one start for the Angels last season because of a torn labrum.

The Mets sign P Kelvim Escobar to a one-year deal. Escobar missed all of 2008 and made only one start for the Angels last season because of a torn labrum.

The Mariners sign C Josh Bard and P Chad Cordero to minor league deals, while the Nationals come to terms with 1B Josh Whitesell and utility player Eric Bruntlett.

The Mariners sign C Josh Bard and P Chad Cordero to minor league deals, while the Nationals come to terms with 1B Josh Whitesell and utility player Eric Bruntlett.

2009 – The Diamondbacks sign free agent relief pitcher Bobby Howry to a one-year contract while the Nationals ink veteran reliever Eddie Guardado to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.

2009 – The Diamondbacks sign free agent relief pitcher Bobby Howry to a one-year contract while the Nationals ink veteran reliever Eddie Guardado to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.