Things are wrapping up at the winter meetings in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Stay tuned for the latest on trades, free-agent signings and the rumors we're hearing at Disney's Swan and Dolphin Resort:
• This week's notes: Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday
All times ET
12:59 p.m., from Jayson Stark
• The White Sox-Astros deal that had Jon Garland going to Houston for Willy Taveras and Taylor Buchholz has no chance of happening as it has been reported. White Sox GM Kenny Williams said that he can't trade a second starter unless he gets two major pieces in return.
12:07 p.m., from Jerry Crasnick
• The Padres expect Todd Walker to accept salary arbitration, which makes it likely that he'll be their primary second baseman in 2007. The Padres are aware of Walker's defensive limitations, but they think he's as good offensively as any second baseman left on the market. Walker's return means that San Diego is out of the running for Ronnie Belliard, and unlikely to trade for Marcus Giles unless he somehow falls into their laps.
• The initial reaction to the Rafael Soriano-Horacio Ramirez trade is that Atlanta got the better of its deal with Seattle. Ramirez, while 30-22 in four seasons with the Braves, is injury prone and about to make $3 million-plus next season. While Soriano has to come back from a line drive off the head, he showed a big-time arm in Seattle and has serious closer potential.
• The Dodgers might entertain offers for starter Brad Penny to acquire an impact bat, but don't look for Los Angeles to make a run at reacquiring third baseman Adrian Beltre from Seattle. "We're not going to take that tour twice," said a Dodgers official.
• Phillies general manager Pat Gillick had a strong finish at the meetings. First he beefed up the rotation by trading for Freddy Garcia, who'll be extremely motivated next season as he approaches free agency. Then the Phillies added two intriguing bullpen arms in this morning's Rule 5 draft in Alfredo Simon and Jim Ed Warden. Simon has reportedly hit 98 mph in winter ball, and the Indians didn't want to lose Warden, a 6-7 righty with a sidearm motion.
11:58 a.m., from Steve Phillips
• Gil Meche has agreed to a five-year deal (financial terms unknown) with the Royals, pending a physical.
11:50 a.m., from Jayson Stark
• A deal between the Astros and White Sox that would send Willy Taveras and Taylor Buchholz to Chicago for Jon Garland has hit a snag.
11:10 a.m., from Steve Phillips
• Barry Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris, was seen leaving the hotel.
10:55 a.m., from Steve Phillips
• The Blue Jays and Cubs are out of the running for free-agent starter Gil Meche. The right-hander is closing in on a deal with the Royals worth around $45 million.