The Pittsburgh Pirates deal veteran reliever Salomon Torres (10th on the team’s games pitched leaderboard at the time) to the Milwaukee Brewers for Marino Salas and Kevin Roberts, two minor leaguers. Torres, a resident of the Pittsburgh suburbs, says he is considering retirement rather than reporting, but will decide to stay active for one more year. He will have a solid year as Milwaukee’s closer while Salas will only pitch 13 games for the Pirates, with a 8.47 ERA, and Roberts won’t reach the majors.

ByTom

The Pittsburgh Pirates deal veteran reliever Salomon Torres (10th on the team’s games pitched leaderboard at the time) to the Milwaukee Brewers for Marino Salas and Kevin Roberts, two minor leaguers. Torres, a resident of the Pittsburgh suburbs, says he is considering retirement rather than reporting, but will decide to stay active for one more year. He will have a solid year as Milwaukee’s closer while Salas will only pitch 13 games for the Pirates, with a 8.47 ERA, and Roberts won’t reach the majors.

Near the end of the Winter Meetings, the Royals sign Gil Meche to a five-year deal valued $55 million, which matches Mike Sweeney’s contract as the largest in franchise history. During his five years in the major leagues, all with the Mariners, the 28 year-old right-hander has compiled a 55-44 career record with an earned-run average of 4.65 in 147 games.

ByTom

Near the end of the Winter Meetings, the Royals sign Gil Meche to a five-year deal valued $55 million, which matches Mike Sweeney’s contract as the largest in franchise history. During his five years in the major leagues, all with the Mariners, the 28 year-old right-hander has compiled a 55-44 career record with an earned-run average of 4.65 in 147 games.

The Toronto Blue Jays acquire solid-hitting first baseman Lyle Overbay and right-handed pitching prospect Ty Taubenheim in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers; going the other way are pitcher David Bush and pitching prospect Zach Jackson, as well as outfielder Gabe Gross.

ByTom

The Toronto Blue Jays acquire solid-hitting first baseman Lyle Overbay and right-handed pitching prospect Ty Taubenheim in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers; going the other way are pitcher David Bush and pitching prospect Zach Jackson, as well as outfielder Gabe Gross.

The Rangers trade Alfonso Soriano to the Nationals for outfielders Brad Wilkerson and Terrmel Sledge, and minor league pitching prospect Armando Galarraga. By dumping the All-Star second baseman’s salary, Texas frees up funds to seek much-needed pitching.

ByTom

The Rangers trade Alfonso Soriano to the Nationals for outfielders Brad Wilkerson and Terrmel Sledge, and minor league pitching prospect Armando Galarraga. By dumping the All-Star second baseman’s salary, Texas frees up funds to seek much-needed pitching.

The Diamondbacks acquire All-Star catcher Johnny Estrada (.261, 4, 39) from the Braves for a pair of right-handed relievers, Lance Cormier (7-3, 5.11) and Oscar Villarreal (2-0, 5.27). The deal, which is the first for Arizona’s new general manager Josh Byrnes, fills the D-Backs’ need for a starting backstop and provides Atlanta to give emerging rookie Brian McCann more playing time.

ByTom

The Diamondbacks acquire All-Star catcher Johnny Estrada (.261, 4, 39) from the Braves for a pair of right-handed relievers, Lance Cormier (7-3, 5.11) and Oscar Villarreal (2-0, 5.27). The deal, which is the first for Arizona’s new general manager Josh Byrnes, fills the D-Backs’ need for a starting backstop and provides Atlanta to give emerging rookie Brian McCann more playing time.

The Rangers trade 2B Alfonso Soriano to the Nationals for OF-1B Brad Wilkerson‚ OF Terrmel Sledge and minor league P Armando Galarraga.

ByTom

The Rangers trade 2B Alfonso Soriano to the Nationals for OF-1B Brad Wilkerson‚ OF Terrmel Sledge and minor league P Armando Galarraga.