The Phillies have added Danys Baez to their bullpen. Sources told MLB.com on Thursday that Philadelphia and the reliever had agreed to a two-year contract pending a physical. Baez, 32, went 4-6 with a 4.02 ERA in 59 appearances last season with the Orioles in 2009.

A pair of American League officials told the New York Post that the Cubs are shopping pitcher Carlos Zambrano. Zambrano has three-years and $53.75 million left on his contract. The same officials say Zambrano, for comfort reasons, has no desire to waive his no-trade clause and leave Chicago.

Contrary to a radio report, the Mets are not close to signing free-agent catcher Bengie Molina, a source told the New York Daily News. A recent report said that the team was close to a two-year deal with Molina, who spent recent seasons with the Giants. "Not true," the official said.

The Cardinals and free-agent outfielder Matt Holliday are believed to be getting closer to an agreement that could be the largest offer the franchise has even made. That means it would surpass the $100 million deal first baseman Albert Pujols signed in 2004. Sources with knowledge of the negotiations told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that progress is "strong" and a resolution could come as early as next week. "I'm still hopeful," general manager John Mozeliak wrote in a text message. "But there is still work to be done."

Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell underwent surgery on his right thumb on Wednesday. Boston expects him to be ready for spring training. The injury derailed a trade between the Red Sox and the Rangers earlier this month. The operation repaired the radial collateral ligament in the thumb.

The Cubs have signed outfielder Marlon Byrd to a three-year, $15 million deal. Chicago hopes that Byrd can be their everyday center fielder. Byrd is a disciple of hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo. Both were with the Rangers last season. "[Jaramillo] was a big part of [signing in Chicago]," Byrd said. "I really enjoyed my last three years with Rudy. I'm very comfortable with him. He is the best in the business. We are especially close. It's going to be nice working with him the next three years."

The Rockies could cut ties with catcher Yorvit Torrealba. Colorado is working out a deal with free-agent Miguel Olivo, according to multiple sources. Torrealba was close to re-signing a few weeks ago, but the two sides couldn't agree on how money would be distributed in a rumored two-year, $6 million contract.

Free-agent first baseman Carlos Delgado will make his winter league debut on Sunday, according to a report out of Puerto Rico. Delgado missed most of last season with the Mets after undergoing hip surgery. "If everything goes well, I'm planning on playing that day," Delgado told the newspaper Primer Hora. "So far I haven't spoken with management [for Carolina], but that's the date I'm targeting. I still have to go through my routine these next three days, then practice on [Saturday]."

The Red Sox officially lost left fielder Jason Bay on Monday when he signed a four-year, $66 million deal with the Mets. Boston infielder Kevin Youkilis commented on the signing Tuesday. "It's definitely going to be tough for all of us," Youkilis said. "Jason was a close friend. We enjoyed playing with him. He's a great ballplayer. It's one of those business moves on each side, the Red Sox and Jason. It just didn't work out right. I wish him the best in New York and hopefully we get to see him in the World Series." The Boston Herald is reporting that the Red Sox had discussions with Bay right up until he agreed to join the Mets.

The Dodgers desperately need help in their starting rotation and free-agent pitcher Joel Pineiro interests them. According to Buster Olney, the Mets and Angels are also interested in the right-hander.