David Ortiz will be back for a 10th season of mashing in the middle of Boston's batting order after accepting the club's offer of arbitration.

The Braves have remained rather quiet during the first three days of this year's Winter Meetings. But around this time next year, they will have a surplus of available funds and the opportunity to be big players on the free-agent and trade markets.

The priority this offseason is shortstop, but Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. can't seem to help himself. He loves stockpiling arms.

The Marlins completed their deal with Jose Reyes on Wednesday, announcing that they have signed the free-agent shortstop to a six-year, $106 million contract, with an option for 2018.

The Marlins made their third big free-agent splash Wednesday, adding left-hander Mark Buehrle to a new class of players that already included closer Heath Bell and shortstop Jose Reyes.

ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick has reported that according to a source, Albert Pujols' agent, Dan Lozano, has called the Marlins to tell them that they are out of the running for the star first baseman. They may still pursue C.J. Wilson or Prince Fielder.

Second baseman Kelly Johnson had until Wednesday night at 11:59 p.m. ET to decide whether to accept salary arbitration from the Blue Jays. It had been widely speculated for quite some time that Johnson would decline the offer, but on Wednesday afternoon Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said that likely won't be the case.

The Rangers are leaving the Winter Meetings after the Rule 5 Draft on Thursday. They are prepared to leave without signing free-agent pitcher C.J. Wilson.

Getting left fielder Alex Gordon's name on a long-term contract is being explored by Royals general manager Dayton Moore.

It seems like it could be a two-team showdown for the rights to ace left-hander C.J. Wilson. The Angels in one corner, the Marlins in the other.

Joe Girardi once had a young Jorge Posada nipping at his heels to take at-bats and, eventually, his job. If the Yankees can create the same scenario for Jesus Montero, they'll be thrilled.

Manager Jim Leyland wants to give Miguel Cabrera the best opportunity to drive in runs, but whether that means hitting his slugger third or fourth is up for debate.

Finding a way to score more runs continues to be the focus of the Rays. However, while several possibilities are being speculated about, no trades or signings seemed imminent at the end of the third day of the Winter Meetings.

Turning the page on October's excruciating loss to the Cardinals in the National League Division Series will be no easy task for the Phillies, but determination in 2012 might be even greater than it was last season for the returning players.

As the Astros continued their closely guarded search for a general manager at the Winter Meetings, the team continued in its quest Wednesday of trying to find potential trade partners for its high-priced veterans while preparing for the Rule 5 Draft.

The Mets aren't looking to sell off the roster, but if another team is willing to bowl them over with an offer, they will listen, especially if it means landing top prospects.

The Blue Jays' payroll situation dominated the talk on Day 3 of the Winter Meetings at the Hilton Anatole hotel in Dallas on Wednesday.