The Giants' pursuit of free-agent second baseman Orlando Hudson, previously considered casual, is apparently serious.

The Yankees are willing to throw their money around, but not ad infinitum. In fact, in its pursuit of CC Sabathia, the club is letting the big left-hander know that at some point they'll be expecting an answer.

The Indians added five top prospects to their 40-man roster on Thursday, protecting them from the Rule 5 Draft on Dec. 11.

Aaron Heilman wants out of the 'pen and into the rotation, or, if that can't be arranged, out of the Mets. His either-or preference has been communicated to the club with the underlying hope that his assignment, not his team affiliation, will be changed.

Following free-agent left-handed reliever Jeremy Affeldt's departure earlier this week, the Reds have increased their efforts to get more bullpen help. Team is also looking to trade for a right-handed slugger.

The Rangers traded offensive-power potential for speed and defensive potential in a swap of former No. 1 Draft picks with the Phillies on Thursday.

In an exchange of former first-round picks, the Phillies sent outfielder Greg Golson to the Rangers for outfielder John Mayberry.

The Reds added pitchers Matt Maloney, Carlos Fisher, Robert Manuel and Sam Lecure to their 40-man roster on Thursday to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft.

The Rockies adjusted their 40-man roster on Thursday, adding six players, including infielder Eric Young Jr., and removing one. By being added to the 40-man roster, the six are not exposed to the Rule 5 Draft.

If ever there was a time to send a strong message to Major League owners about financial restraint, this was it, with club brass assembled for the second day of their quarterly meetings in New York. Bud Selig was ready, bringing along former Fed chief and renowned economist Paul Volcker to speak.

The Indians have asked to be kept in the loop with regard to Casey Blake, but no deal appears imminent for the free-agent third basemen with any club.

The Yankees added four players to their 40-man roster on Thursday when they purchased the contracts of right-handed pitchers Anthony Claggett, Christian Garcia and Steven Jackson, as well as left-hander Michael Dunn.

It's possible that after the big-ticket pitchers are signed, fiscal restraint will be the order of the day and free agents, as well as agents for the free agents, will all leave the bargaining table in deep disappointment. But for the moment, this is still a bull market for pitchers.