Source: Jeff Keppinger to White Sox  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms on a three-year, $12 million deal with free-agent infielder Jeff Keppinger, a source told ESPNChicago.com's Bruce Levine.  —  The move likely signals the end of Kevin Youkilis' White Sox career …

2013 Texas Rangers Top 10 Prospects … With nine games to go in the regular season, the Rangers had the best record in the American League and looked poised to make a run to their third straight American League pennant.  But when Texas lost seven of its final nine contests …

Will meetings produce a blockbuster?  —  A blockbuster could be in the works.  —  A variety of three-, four- and even five-team trades are in play at the winter meetings, mostly involving the same clubs and same principal players, according to major-league sources.  —  The clubs: Arizona, Cleveland, Texas and Tampa Bay.

Rays wrap Day 2 by acquiring Escobar from Marlins  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Everybody attending the Winter Meetings at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel is convinced that the Rays will trade one of their coveted starting pitchers.  —  But they did not do so on Tuesday, instead sending Minor League …

Melvin met with agent for E-Jax, Howell  —  It's been a quiet Wednesday so far for the Brewers at the Winter Meetings, but GM Doug Melvin did meet with one high-powered agent, Greg Genske, though Melvin would not reveal the content of that discussion.  Among Genske's free agents this winter …

Rangers talks with Josh Hamilton said ‘on hold’ at moment  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Rangers have been talking to Josh Hamilton, but one source suggested talks are “on hold” at the moment.  —  It is believed the holdup may have to do with the Rangers' spirited efforts to land top free-agent starter Zack Greinke.

Cubs To Sign Nate Schierholtz  —  The Cubs agreed to a one-year deal with outfielder Nate Schierholtz, tweets ESPN's Jerry Crasnick.  The deal is worth $2.25MM with $500K in incentives, adds Crasnick.  Schierholtz, 29 in February, was non-tendered by the Phillies last week.  He's represented by Lapa/Leventhal.

O's bring back McLouth, out of running for Swisher  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Orioles made their first move of the Winter Meetings on Wednesday, securing a one-year, $2 million deal to bring back outfielder Nate McLouth, pending the completion of a physical.

Tom Cheek Named 2013 Ford C. Frick Award Winner for Broadcasting Excellence  —  Legendary Blue Jays Voice Will Be Honored at July 26-29 Hall of Fame Weekend  —  (COOPERSTOWN, NY) - Tom Cheek, who called the first 4,306 regular-season and 41 postseason games in Toronto Blue Jays history …

Angels add Joe Blanton, Sean Burnett  —  The Los Angeles Angels added another piece to their starting rotation Wednesday, agreeing with free agent Joe Blanton on a two-year contract worth $15 million contract, according to a baseball source.  —  The guaranteed deal includes a club option for a third year, the source said.

David Wright proud to return to Mets  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — None of the most notable players in New York Mets history has played his entire career with the franchise.  —  Tom Seaver was traded to the Cincinnati Reds midway through 1977, while en route to a 21-win season.

Winter Meetings: Cards bow out on Burnett  —  • By Derrick Goold dgoold@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8285  —  • The Cardinals' pursuit of a lefty reliever has peeled away from the pitcher considered the best of the remaining available free agents in his class.

Royals aren't entertaining Butler talks in Nashville  —  Club may be out of running to acquire Mets knuckleballer Dickey  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Although manager Ned Yost keeps talking about the Royals hitting more home runs next year, that doesn't seem to stop speculation about a trade involving his top home-run hitter, Billy Butler.

Pirates acquire versatile pitcher Oliver from Tigers  —  Bucs send catching prospect Cabrera to Detroit for Minors left-hander  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Pirates got into the Winter Meetings trade action in a “Minor” way on Wednesday, acquiring left-hander Andrew Oliver from Detroit in exchange for catcher Ramon Cabrera.

Fredi Gonzalez's option exercised  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Atlanta Braves have exercised their 2014 option on the contract of manager Fredi Gonzalez.  —  Taking over when Bobby Cox retired after the 2010 season, Gonzalez has managed the Braves to a 183-141 record.

Yunel Escobar's change of heart prompted Marlins trade  —  The Marlins' trade of shortstop Yunel Escobar to Tampa late tonight culminated a move that started recently when Escobar informed Miami of his “change of heart” about playing third base.  —  “When Yunel had this change of heart …

Rockies Acquire Wilton Lopez  —  The Rockies added a late-inning reliever today, acquiring Wilton Lopez and a player to be named later or cash from the Astros for starter Alex White and minor leaguer Alex Gillingham, the teams announced.  —  Lopez, 29, very nearly joined the Phillies …