Sources: Cards leaning to 5-year offer  —  The Cardinals continue to talk about re-signing outfielder Matt Holliday, and in their internal deliberations, the intention is to stand on a five-year offer, sources said.  —  It's always possible the Cardinals could alter their offer to Holliday, and add to it.

Sources: Halladay, Phillies reach deal … Roy Halladay and the Phillies have come to an agreement on a contract that would put in motion a three-team trade that would send the Toronto Blue Jays ace to Philadelphia, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.  —  Halladay was taking his physical Tuesday morning, sources said.

White Sox acquire OF Pierre from L.A.  —  The Chicago White Sox acquired outfielder Juan Pierre and cash from the Los Angeles Dodgers for two minor leaguers.  —  Pierre said he's ecstatic to get an opportunity to possibly play every day after being in Manny Ramirez's shadow with the Dodgers.

Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman throws for scouts in Houston  —  Fomer Cuban national team starting pitcher Aroldis Chapman threw a bullpen session on Tuesday in Houston in front of representatives from 15 major league teams.  —  On Tuesday morning at the Baseball USA complex …

Contract language delays Lackey deal  —  The Red Sox and Steve Hilliard, the agent for pitcher John Lackey, are in the final stages of finalizing a five-year, $82.5-million contract, but it's being held up as the sides work out language that would protect the Red Sox from a pre-existing medical issue.

Mets Near a Deal With Ryota Igarashi  —  The Mets are close to signing Ryota Igarashi, a Japanese pitcher, to a two-year deal, according to a person briefed on the situation.  Yes, they need an outfielder to hit in the middle of the batting order and another starting pitcher, but they also needed to improve their bullpen.