The Giants exercised the $5 million contract option for left-hander Jeremy Affeldt after the season and signed lefty Javier Lopez to a two-year, $8.5 million contract. The team, trying to reduce the heavy investments in its bullpen, is looking to move Affeldt and/or right-hander Ramon Ramirez, according to major league sources.

The Rockies are willing to trade catcher Chris Iannetta, who they have discussed with the Angels. Colorado is looking for pitcher Tyler Chatwood, who was 6-11 with Los Angeles last season, in return. Rival executives said Colorado is seeking multiple players in return for Iannetta, including at least one big-leaguer. Before moving Iannetta, the Rockies would want assurances that they could sign free-agent catcher Ramon Hernandez.

A number of teams expect the Cubs to trade right-hander Matt Garza this winter. Chicago is believed to be willing to at the very least listen to offers for Garza.

The Cubs have been busy this offseason with Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer in place as the team's new president and general manager, respectively. "They have been very aggressive with a wide range of free agents and have been in on trade talks with at least a dozen clubs," writes Jim Bowden of ESPN.com. "What's been interesting is for a club that struggled so much in 2011, the conversations have not been limited to long-term solutions, but rather, they've included everyone from prospects to one-year stop-gap players," Bowden added.

Wandy Rodriguez was a popular name at this summer's trade deadline, but the left-hander ended up staying in Houston. The Astros are getting a number of calls about the starter this offseason. The Red Sox are believed to be among the interested parties.

The Red Sox are expected to add at least two starting pitchers and there are a pair of names that could be had on the trade market. Arizona's Joe Saunders and Minnesota's Francisco Liriano are believed to be available.

The Marlins and Athletics have had discussions about left-hander Gio Gonzalez, but the talks have led nowhere. Oakland is demanding some sort of package containing either Logan Morrison or Mike Stanton and they have been rejected by Florida. With a host of teams interested in Gonzalez, the Athletics could hold out for the best possible package.

The Red Sox wanted to make John Farrell their new manager after he spent a year in Toronto, but talks between the two teams ended quickly. The Blue Jays usually allow employees to interview for lateral moves, but they changed their position when Boston showed interest in Farrell. Talks between the two sides ended when the Blue Jays asked for Clay Buchholz in return.

The Rangers have already made a number of changes to their pitching staff, but more could be coming. Texas signed closer Joe Nathan and moved Neftali Feliz into the starting rotation. In addition, many believe free-agent C.J. Wilson will depart. The Rangers "can't be ruled out" on starters like Cubs right-hander Matt Garza, according to Ken Rosenthal. Chicago is believed to be open to moving Garza.

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty is shopping young slugger Yonder Alonso. In return, Cincinnati would like to acquire a No. 2 starter or a closer, according to sources. Jocketty has spoken to Tampa Bay, Cleveland, Toronto and Oakland, among others.