The Blockbuster is official, and there is other news out of Indianapolis.

So far, Wednesday has not shaken the earth as was the case on Tuesday. But things are happening in the center of the country. It looks as though the Houston Astros are about to pick up Matt Lindstrom to close for them next season. Lindstrom is arbitration eligible, but less expensive than the departing Jose Valverde (via Free Agency.) Lindstrom has been on again, off again for Florida. He's been hurt, he's been healthy. He's been naughty and he's been good. Santa should now bring him a nice payday from his new club. Pitching in the hitting friendly Minute Maid won't be much of a walk in the park for the 6'4" righty who will turn 30 in February.

LaTroy Hawkins is said to be leaving Houston to join the Milwaukee Brewers. Hawkins is rumored to be getting a two year deal to pitch at Miller Park.

Kevin Milwood is being dispatched to Baltimore to join the rotation of the Orioles in return for reliever Chris Ray. Milwood is getting expensive, but the Orioles really haven't spent a ton of money in recent years and may be starting to return to being competitive. With their young stars like Brian Matusz, Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, Chris Tillman, and Matt Wieters, adding a veteran like Milwood can be of tremendous value to the entire club in general and to the pitching staff in particular. He will bring the lessons of Mike Maddux and Nolan Ryan with him. Milwood's entire game improved under the guidance of those two pitching gurus.

Andy Pettitte reportedly is returning to the Yankees. That should not surprise anyone. In fact, there is word that they are trying to sign John Lackey.

It's early in the afternoon. I would expect there to be some important transactions to report as the day and evening progress. Stick with me here and we can comment on the deals together. Hope your club is in the swing of things.