NY Mets have not met R.A. Dickey's asking price as negotiation process is still ongoing  —  Jeff Wilpon reiterated earlier comments that the Mets were willing to allow Dickey to simply play out next season on the pre-existing $5 million club option, and become a free agent.

Sources: Rangers involved in advanced talks with Phillies about possible Michael Young trade  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Rangers haven't really gotten anywhere on their big free-agent targets.  And complicated pie-in-the-sky trade scenarios haven't really gained traction.

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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.

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.

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.