From Yahoo Sports’ Tim Brown :

Mike Piazza, among the most accomplished offensive catchers in baseball history, agreed Wednesday night to become a full-time designated hitter, at least for a year.

Piazza agreed to a one-year, $8.5-million contract with the Oakland A’s, according to baseball sources, choosing the A’s over the Texas Rangers and one year with the A’s over two.

While Piazza’s agent, Dan Lozano, refused comment, a source said the deal awaited only a physical examination.

While the Yanks and Cubs competition for Ted Lilly remains unresolved as of this writing, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer’s John Hickey writes about the pursuit for free agent P Gil Meche.

Starting pitcher Gil Meche, who has never pitched for another professional organization other than Seattle, may be rejoining his old manager, Lou Piniella, in Chicago with the Cubs.

The Toronto Blue Jays thought they’d been beaten out by the Cubs, but 30 minutes after they heard that, Toronto reversed field and said their four-year, $40 million offer might yet prevail.

Dodger Thoughts’ Jon Wiseman is amongst those who figure LA’s acquisition of Jason Schmidt means the Dodgers will be moving one of their starters, and wouldn’t you know it, Brad Penny’s name has been popping up all day.