Alex Anthopoulos has refuted a recent report that the Blue Jays are looking for a big bat and front-line starter. Anthopoulos emphatically denied the claims that stated Toronto was "hunting diligently" for upgrades in both areas. "I've had zero dialogue with GMs right now on anything remotely resembling that," he said Sunday. "That's no knock against the report, but it just goes to show you how many things -- it's beyond way out there."

The Phillies had interest in trading for Brandon Inge during Spring Training, according to a report. Detroit released Inge earlier this week and Philadelphia has struggled offensively.

Jake Peavy has excelled to begin the season, going 2-0 with a 2.75 ERA in his first three starts of 2012. He has faced the Rangers, Tigers and Orioles. Scouts have been impressed with Peavy's overall stuff and the fact that he is finishing off hitters (21 strikeouts in 19 2/3 innings). The right-hander is in the final year of his deal because the White Sox will not exercise a $22 million option for 2013. He earns $17 million this season, and the White Sox would likely have to take on a portion of what's remaining if he's dealt.

Bartolo Colon is off to an excellent start, posting a 2.63 ERA in his first four starts. The right-hander threw 38 consecutive strikes for the Athletics this past week. He could be one of the most sought-after trade targets at midseason, and maybe sooner rather than later. Colon's base salary for this season is just $2 million, far less than some of the alternatives that will pop up on the market, and Oakland's front office is clearly devoted to the idea of building the team for 2015-16.

The Red Sox and Cubs are discussing a trade that would send Marlon Byrd to Boston, according to a Major League source. However, nothing was finalized prior to Boston's Saturday afternoon game against New York. Byrd did not play in Chicago's game against the Reds Saturday afternoon and a source claims that a deal is imminent.

Adam Jones has enjoyed a great start to the season, leading to rumors about when and if the Orioles will trade the outfielder. He entered play on Friday batting .321/.357/.679 on the year, and .345 with four homers the past seven days. Jones was involved in some trade rumors over the winter and Baltimore has a number of holes to fill on their roster. The Orioles may look to deal him well ahead of the July deadline to make sure his value doesn't decrease.

The Red Sox are scouting Phillies outfielder Scott Podsednik, according to sources. Boston is in need of an outfielder in the wake of Jacoby Ellsbury's shoulder injury.

The Astros are not shopping right-hander Brett Myers, according to general manager Jeff Luhnow. There was a report by USA Today over the weekend that Houston had put Myers on the trading block.

With Jacoby Ellsbury sidelined because of a shoulder injury, the Red Sox may be in the market for an outfielder. There isn't a huge market for trades this early in the season, but two American League talent evaluators believe Boston should consider inquiring about Oakland's Coco Crisp. Crisp signed a two-year, $14 million deal with the Athletics this offseason.

There is a strong possibility that the White Sox could trade Jake Peavy to a contender at midseason if they are far out of the playoff picture, as many expect. Chicago sold off a number of players this winter, including Carlos Quentin and Sergio Santos. Peavy has looked good thus far. He's 1-0 with a 3.55 ERA in two starts. He has 13 strikeouts and 12 2/3 innings of work. More importantly, he has remained healthy.