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 …

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.

Greinke sets pitching market  —  How much does Zack Greinke want, from which team?  A waiting market wonders … NASHVILLE — One of these days, in a transactions column near you, Zack Greinke will get around to picking his next employer.  —  It might be this week.  It might be next week.

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.

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 …

Sveum shrugs off being shot in ear by Yount during hunting trip  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Dale Sveum apparently was the victim of a Cubbie occurrence recently when he was accidentally shot in the right ear during a quail hunting trip with old pal Robin Yount.  —  “He got the bird,” Sveum said.

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

Marlins don't seem enthusiastic about Carl Pavano reunion, but never say never  —  Dave Pepe, the agent for pitcher Carl Pavano, spoke to the Marlins yesterday, but there's no indication on how those talks went.  —  One Marlins source didn't seem enthusiastic about the team taking a chance on Pavano …

Mets hold cards, but unsure how Dickey saga will play out  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Mets have told R.A. Dickey what they are willing to do in a contract extension.  —  They have told teams interested in acquiring Dickey the types of players — notice the plural — necessary to obtain him.

Hot Stove: Kevin Youkilis has multiple contract offers  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — With a market that is bereft of available third basemen, and given the fact that he can fit a team in search of a starter at either corner infield position and that he will not cost a draft pick to sign …

Orioles, McLouth agree to one-year pact  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Orioles have agreed to terms on a one-year deal for outfielder Nate McLouth, according to an industry source.  —  Baltimore had steady dialogue with McLouth's agent, Mike Nicotera, and manager Buck Showalter spoke on the phone …