There have been persistent rumors this offseason that the Dodgers are shopping Andre Ethier.

Ethier has called the rumors more "entertaining" than unsettling. He said his mind was set at ease early on when both Dodgers CEO Stan Kasten and GM Ned Colletti publicly shot down the rumors.

"I think Ned and Stan came out pretty quickly not only saying they weren't looking to trade me but they didn't know where the rumors were coming from," Ethier said. "I'm not going to let something bother me if they don't even know where it's coming from.

"I heard from both Ned and Donnie saying they weren't looking to trade me and the only way it happens is if a team blows them away (with an offer). That was enough to ease my mind. ... I understand that. That's just business."

With spring training on the horizon, the Rays may still be in the market for another bat and some bullpen help.

Tampa Bay will finalize deals with Luke Scott and Kyle Farnsworth this week, but that doesn't mean they are closed for business.

The Cubs are likely done with roster changes this offseason.

In a radio appearance on Sirius 209/XM 89, Jed Hoyer said "never say never, but likely this is the team we go to spring training with."

The Tigers will likely trade Rick Porcello if they receive the right offer, leading to persistent trade rumors this offseason.

Detroit has a surplus of starting pitchers and the 24-year-old could be good value for a team not in that position.

The Tigers would like to upgrade at shortstop.

"Regardless of rumors, I'm with the Tigers and trying to get ready for spring training," Porcello said. "In my mind right now, I'm just trying to prepare for a job, work my butt off, and get ready for spring."

The White Sox have acquired Zach Stewart off waivers from the Pirates.

Stewart was 1-4 with an 8.58 ERA in 20 games last season for the White Sox and Boston.

The Phillies explored a possible trade for Justin Upton this offseason.

Ruben Amaro spoke to Kevin Towers about the right-handed hitting outfielder on more than one occasion before Arizona traded him to Atlanta this week.

"We just didn't really see a fit," Amaro said.

"We communicated a few times with K.T. Clearly, what he was looking for and what we were willing to give were a little different."

The Rangers aren't expected to make any more big moves as Jon Daniels likes the team as is and only sees some potential minor acquisitions before Spring Training.

That means Texas isn't interested in signing pitcher Kyle Lohse and outfielder Michael Bourn at this point.

"We're looking at some areas of depth," Daniels said. "Maybe create some competition for the bench or maybe somebody who could compete for the fifth-starter spot. Outside of that, we're not expecting anything big. We're not looking at anything major.

"We like what we have. We like our team, and we want to give some of these young players a real opportunity. Some of the guys, we believe, are winning players, and we want to take a good look at them and see what we've got."

The Diamondbacks are seriously discussing a trade of Justin Upton to the Braves on Wednesday evening, according to sources.

A deal to the Braves would unite Upton with his older brother, B.J. Upton, who signed as a free agent with Atlanta this winter.

The D-Backs still have a surplus of outfielders, and GM Kevin Towers said he's still getting plenty of phone calls from teams.

"It's the story that will never go away," Towers said. "I guess I did it to myself by saying everyone is available. You get what you ask for."

The D-backs had a deal in place to send Justin Upton to the M's for a package of prospects, but Seattle is one of four teams on Upton's no-trade list.

While the Rangers and Braves have expressed interest in Upton, so far neither team has put together a package.

That could, of course, change, but if it doesn't, it seems likely the team will consider dealing Jason Kubel.

While there have been no new developments, the Braves still haven't ruled out Michael Bourn or Justin Upton.

Bourn still seems unlikely given that he would have to take far less money and a much shorter contract than what Scott Boras continues to seek.

The Braves have payroll room to add another significant salary, and Frank Wren has spoken with Boras recently, though they didn't start any negotiations concerning Bourn.

Atlanta and Texas seem to be the last teams standing with both the interest level and the talent level in terms of young players and/or prospects to make a deal with Arizona happen for Upton.