2011

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

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

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.

2011 – The Orioles sign OF Endy Chavez to a one-year deal.

The Reds obtain right-hander Mat Latos from the Padres for four players that include two former first-round picks, infielder Yonder Alonso and catcher Yasmani Grandal, along with starting pitcher Edinson Volquez and minor leaguer Brad Boxberger. The deal fills a crucial need by bolstering Cincinnati’s rotation, but many observers believe the team gave up too much to acquire the quality starter.

The Phillies re-sign SS Jimmy Rollins to a three-year deal worth $33 million, with an option for a fourth season at the same salary.

The Padres send P Mat Latos to Cincinnati in return for Yonder Alonso, Yasmani Grandal, Edinson Volquez and Brad Boxberger. Latos is considered one of the most talented young pitchers in the majors in spite of a mediocre 9-14 record last year.