Once again, the Arizona Diamondbacks are trying to trade right fielder Justin Upton reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Major-league sources, however, say the team is again engaged in active discussions about Upton, and one estimates the chances of him playing elsewhere next season are “80-20.” The Diamondbacks need a shortstop, and Upton possibly could bring them a player such as the Rangers’ Elvis Andrus. Upton, 25, is signed for $9.75 million next season, $14.25 million in 2014 and $14.5 [...]

Andy Martino of the Daily News, reports that if the Mets were to pursue a trade for their top starter R.A. Dickey, at least 12 or more teams could be interested according to a few baseball executives he spoke with. One National League talent evaluator told Martino, “It makes sense that they would think about selling high on him, there would obviously be a lot of interest.” While he adds that it’s far from certain that the Mets [...]

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports spoke with two rival executives who say “they smell a rat” in the Phillies’ pursuit of free-agent center fielder B.J. Upton. The executives believe that to gain some leverage in going after Upton this offseason, Ruben Amaro Jr. fired their hitting coach and replaced him with Steve Henderson, the Rays’ hitting coach from 2006 to ’09, to fill the same role for the Phillies. Henderson has a very close relationship with B.J. Upton. [...]

The New York Mets today announced they will hold a Food Drive Wednesday, November 14 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Citi Field to benefit New Yorkers in need. Fans can drop off their food donation inside the Hodges VIP entrance next to the Mets Team Store. Fans donating 10 items or more of nonperishable nutritious food will receive a voucher redeemable for one pair of tickets to a select Mets game in April [...]

Updated Post 11/4 The Seattle Mariners announced that they have re-signed reliever Oliver Perez to a one-year contract for the 2013 season. “We are happy to have reached a mutual agreement with Oliver,” said GM Jack Zduriencik in a statement. ”He did a very nice job in helping solidify our bullpen after his call up last summer. As a veteran left-hander, and one that had adjusted very nicely to his new role, we are looking forward to his contributions as [...]

As you may have already heard, the Angels have opted against giving outfielder Torii Hunter a $13.3 million qualifying offer. After five years with Anaheim and becoming a fan favorite and an integral part of the Angels’ clubhouse, Hunter is now a free agent. Last night, veteran pitcher Dan Haren also became a free agent despite a last minute attempt to trade him and his team option to the Cubs. Although both could be re-signed by the Angels it [...]

Last night when the clock struck midnight, the following players became free agents and will most likely not be back. They include Scott Hairston, Jon Rauch, Ramon Ramirez, Ronny Cedeno, Kelly Shoppach, Tim Byrdak and Chris Young. Yesterday, a club source told Mike Puma of the NY Post that Hairston was the one free agent the Mets most want to keep, but that the veteran outfielder is coming off a career season (20 homers and 57 RBIs) and figures [...]

Mack Carig of Newsday reports that the Mets have little left in budget to pursue free agents. With little wiggle room, a person with knowledge of the team’s thinking said the Mets likely will follow last winter’s free-agent blueprint, when they passed on a major signing in favor of spreading their limited dollars with several low-cost signings. What the Mets lack in dollars for free agency they hold in chips for trades — if they [...]

According to CSN Bay Area, the San Francisco Giants will not be making qualifying offers to any of their free agents this offseason including Angel Pagan. It was believed that Pagan would get a $13 million qualifying offer from the Giants as protection in case negotiations on a longterm deal don’t work out. Pagan will get a lot more attention now that teams won’t lose their first round draft pick to sign him. The center fielder [...]