Roundup: A’s, Red Sox continue to add

The A’s may never land Adrian Beltre, but that hasn’t stopped an already busy week for them from chugging along.

Oakland landed outfielder Josh Willingham from the Nationals on Thursday in exchange for reliever Henry Rodriguez and Minor League outfielder Corey Brown.

“I’m excited because I know the potential this ballclub has,” Willingham said about an hour after learning of the trade. “I know they have really good young pitching and have already upgraded their lineup a lot. So, I’m excited to be part of that. I think this team is ready to win.”

Willingham joins Rich Harden, Hideki Matsui and Brandon McCarthy as recent A’s pick-ups.

Beltre’s former club the Red Sox continued to add on Thursday — not to the lineup this time, but to the bullpen. Boston was nearing a two-year deal with former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks for $12 million.

An outfielder who was once targeted by Boston decided to stay home. Magglio Ordonez re-upped with Detroit on a one-year deal, according to Sports Illustrated. He’s to be paid $10 million.

Some other moves from around the league:

The Rangers added a Japanese ballplayer for the second time this offseason in Hirotoshi Onaka, an outfielder. They signed right-hander Yoshinori Tateyama last month. Texas also announced Thursday it signed right-hander Yhency Brazoban to a Minor League deal.
Looking at a drastically changed bullpen next season, Tampa Bay signed reliever Joel Peralta.
Tsuyoshi Nishioka, a middle infielder, is nearing a deal with the Twins. He and Alexi Casilla are a likely double-play combo in 2011.
Kerry Wood might be coming home to Chicago – the Cubs that is.