Andy MacPhail said on Wednesday that he is not close to dealing second baseman Brian Roberts to the Cubs and that Roberts will begin the season in the team's infield, according to the Associated Press. "I've mentioned to Brian that I think it's unlikely that something happens," said MacPhail, the Baltimore Orioles president of baseball operations. "I think with each passing hour, at this point, it's less and less likely. ... The further we get this close into [the regular season], the greater likelihood that we're going to start with what we have," MacPhail said.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired right-handed pitcher Tyler Yates from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for minor league pitcher Todd Redmond. The Pirates also designated infielder Josh Wilson for assignment, unconditionally released pitchers Byung-Hyun Kim and Juan Perez, and reassigned infielder Jorge Velandia and pitcher Jaret Wright to minor league camp. In addition, the Pirates selected Doug Mientkiewicz from Triple-A Indianapolis and added him to the 40-man roster.

Coco Crisp says he has heard all the rumors that could have him sent out of Boston. "Over the course of my career, I've heard a lot of rumors about places I might go, and I thought I might get traded," Crisp said. "Nothing ever happens, except when I came over from Cleveland (in 2006). So I'll wait and see, but I won't think about it much." "I've heard a couple of things. Chicago, Oakland, the other Chicago, San Diego."

The Nationals are attempting to trade infielder Felipe Lopez, who will lose out to Ronnie Belliard for the everyday job at second base.

The Rockies have essentially declared Jayson Nix the winner at second base, and they are attempting to trade Marcus Giles to the Dodgers. "No, I won't be going to the minors, but I can't thank this organization enough for giving me a chance when teams weren't exactly beating my door down," Giles said. "I feel like I am stronger than I have ever been." "But Nixy showed he's ready. He's a great guy, a great teammate, and I am not surprised they are going in that direction."

The Giants are reportedly interested in Angels' first basemen Casey Kotchman and could offer former L.A. catcher Bengie Molina in return, according to the Contra Costa Times. Both teams would like to make some changes, but neither can afford to include pitching in any trade.

The Giants are looking at dealing for a third baseman, and the options appear to be either Brandon Inge, Joe Crede, or Wes Helms, according to the San Jose Mercury News. GM Brian Sabean has confirmed that the club has had discussions with teams involving those players over the past few days.

There are rumors that a solid performance from Jason Marquis on Tuesday could have either earned him a spot in Chicago's starting rotation or a ticket out of town, according to the Daily Herald. "I felt great," said Marquis. "I think it was good to go through that, because that's the sort of situations you find yourself in as the season goes along." Lou Piniella said he hoped to have the rotation settled "by the end of the week."

On the heels of the Giants realizing that they are not close to contending in the NL West, they have all but backed out of trade talks with the White Sox for Joe Crede.

One source that spoke with the San Francisco Chronicle indicated that the Yankees have expressed interest in Oakland's Rich Harden. Both Harden and Joe Blanton are candidates to be traded and scouts have been watching them closely all spring.