The Mets took care of an expected piece of business Wednesday, offering free-agent shortstop Jose Reyes arbitration.

The biggest name on the free agent market in recent years made the news once again Wednesday night, but as has been the case with the continuously unfolding Albert Pujols saga, it was business as usual — an administrative calm before what could very well be a bidding storm.

The Yankees have made it their mission to forge relationships with the community surrounding their ballpark, and on Wednesday helped kick off the holiday season by hosting a Thanksgiving feast for area residents.

The Blue Jays offered salary arbitration to four of their five ranked free agents prior to Wednesday night's deadline.

The Dodgers did not offer salary arbitration by Wednesday night's deadline to any of their seven free agents and will receive no compensation if they sign with another club.

Boston offered salary arbitration to David Ortiz and relief pitcher Dan Wheeler in advance of Wednesday's midnight deadline, putting itself in position to get draft compensation if either of those players leave town.

The Pirates have officially offered arbitration to Type B free agent Derrek Lee, while opting not to do the same with free agents Ryan Ludwick and Chris Snyder.

The Yankees offered salary arbitration to right-hander Freddy Garcia on Wednesday, ensuring they will receive Draft compensation if the hurler signs with another team.

The Yankees have signed utility man Jayson Nix to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training, the New York Post reported on Wednesday.

The Cubs offered arbitration to Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Pena but not Kerry Wood. All three were considered Type B free agents.

Left-hander Bruce Chen and the Royals on Wednesday night finalized a two-year deal worth a guaranteed $9 million, plus the possibility of $2 million more in incentives. The base salary would be $4.5 million each year.

Dale Sveum has started interviewing coaches for his staff, and has asked permission to talk to his former Brewers teammate Chris Bosio about becoming the Cubs' pitching coach.

The Phillies announced on Wednesday that they have offered salary arbitration to Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Madson and Raul Ibanez. These free agents will have until Dec. 7 to accept this offer that would provide them a one-year contract with a salary determined through arbitration.

Mets principal owner Fred Wilpon and family, including his brother-in-law and business partner Saul Katz, will face a jury trial instead of a judge's decision in a lawsuit filed by Irving Picard.

The Cardinals formally offered arbitration to Albert Pujols on Wednesday, ensuring that if the superstar is playing for another club next season, they'll get recompense in the form of two selections in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft.

The new Collective Bargaining Agreement between Major League Baseball and the MLB Players' Association has at least one major component that appeals to the Blue Jays.

The Padres opted to offer free agent pitcher Heath Bell and Aaron Harang arbitration. The deadline for teams to offer salary arbitration to ranked free agents was Wednesday, Nov. 23.