Count Aaron Rowand as someone who wants to see the Giants acquire Joe Crede. "Joe's a great guy and a great baseball player and a great friend, so ... would I like to have him on this team? Of course," Rowand said Thursday. "I'm definitely biased, not only friendship-wise, but as a player, too, because I think the world of him." The Giants are interested in adding Crede and the White Sox would like to make room at third base for Josh Fields.

Brian Roberts is working out with the Orioles, but nobody expects him to remain in the orange and black, according to a report in the Baltimore Sun. Baltimore has been engaged with trade talks surrounding Roberts for two months now. Ronny Cedeno, Sean Gallagher and a third player are expected to be dealt to the Orioles in return for the second baseman. The Orioles have dispatched a scout to Mesa in order to take a look at who the club might want. "I don't really think much about it anymore," Roberts said. "I know a little bit about the situation, and I'll cross that bridge when I come to it."

The Chicago Cubs are high on Felix Pie, who is leading the chase for the centerfield position over Sam Fuld, but they are considering a trade for Coco Crisp.

Joe Crede's back looks good as trade talk between the White Sox and Giants gain steam. "The only thing I can control is my health," said Crede. "I just want to play baseball. It's the game I love and what I want to do for a living, and I'm just happy to have a uniform and be able to do this every day."

The Pirates engaged three teams about trading Jason Bay over the winter but were unable to get a deal done. Both the Pirates and Bay hope to move on and make the best of it. But the Pirates won't rule out trading any player, including Bay.

Because Noah Lowry is a young starter on an affordable contract, he has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the winter. "To tell you the truth, it's really not going to weigh on me at all," Lowry said Wednesday as Giants pitchers and catchers reported to camp. "It's out of my control. It's not something I gave much thought or concern to this whole offseason. My concern is what I can control. There's enough pressure within the game itself to focus on." Lowry had a season FIC of 155 (5.94 per start), which led him to have a Reina Value of +266%, despite starting just 26 games. Click here for more information about the Reina Value

Because the Twins didn't get as much for Johan Santana than many expected, the A's are unlikely do deal Joe Blanton. The Reds have shown the most consistent interest in Blanton. "I pretty much think we've got Blanton and Harden for the time being, but I don't think we're past the point where anybody can go at any time," Street said. "If Billy gets the right offer, you're gone, and in all fairness, that's fine." Blanton was the 20th best starting pitcher in the MLB in 2007, with a season FIC of 232. He had a tremendous Reina Value of +3,058%, 'deserving' a salary of $12 million while making just $380,000. Click here for more information about the Reina Value

Brian Roberts still remains property of the Baltimore Orioles. Contrary to speculation, the Orioles and Cubs have not reached an agreement on a Roberts' trade. "Really, in the immediate, I don't see much going on in terms of a week out or so. But you don't ever know," said Andy MacPhail. "If something makes sense for us, we will evaluate it. It's not different than other circumstances."

It appears the Reds are still trying to make improvements heading into the final week before spring camp. Foxsports.com reported Thursday that the Reds are still interested in acquiring Oakland's Joe Blanton, and the Cincinnati Enquirer reported on Friday that there had been talks with the A's. However, a deal did not seem imminent. According to the Enquirer, which did not cite a source for its story, the A's are seeking a package that could involve at least two top Reds prospects. That might mean Joey Votto, Homer Bailey and/or Johnny Cueto.

ESPN is reporting that the Erik Bedard trade, reported to be "near completion" for days now, is giving the term "snail's pace" a new meaning. Bedard was still at home Tuesday night in Ontario, Canada, according to the Baltimore Sun, a sign that the trade, which would send the Orioles' ace to the Mariners for five players, is still a day or two (or more) from being finalized.