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 …

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 …