The Red Sox locked up one of baseball's best to a multiyear deal Wednesday and they didn't venture into the free-agent market.

All general manager Theo Epstein had to do was run his finger down the lineup card and offer a six-year, $40.5 million contract extension to Dustin Pedroia.

"My first thought about the whole thing was: 'I play for the best team in the Major Leagues.' Who wouldn't want to play for the Boston Red Sox? We're going to have an opportunity to win every year," Pedroia said. "The fans are the best. The city embraces their team, so why not? It fits."

The 25-year-old second baseman won the American League MVP this past season just a year after being named AL Rookie of the Year. Pedroia hit .326 with 17 homers and 83 RBIs in 2008 while swiping 20 bags and earning Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards.

The contract effectively buys out three arbitration years and two seasons of free agency while including an $11 million team option in 2015 or a $500,000 buyout.

"He really embodies just about everything we look for in a Red Sox player," Epstein said. "That makes this a great day for the organization."

The Giants made good on their inquiries of free agent Bob Howry and signed the right-hander to a one-year deal worth $2.75 million. That contract is the second this offseason to shore up the San Francisco bullpen as Howry joins fellow newcomer Jeremy Affeldt.

Proving to be one of the more active teams in the days leading up to the Winter Meetings that begin Monday in Las Vegas, the Giants also moved closer to filling their hole at shortstop with a potential offer to Edgar Renteria.

"We're very close to a deal," agent Jeff Lane told MLB.com but declined to comment further.

The Giants have also expressed interest in Rafael Furcal, but Renteria will apparently agree to two years while Furcal is looking for four. A report on ESPN.com said the deal could be worth $18 million, the same terms reported by WFAN two weeks ago.

Renteria could also be joined by third baseman Jorge Cantu as the Giants overhaul the infield. According to a report on Yahoo Sports, the club has been in discussions with the Marlins about possibly acquiring Cantu for left-hander Jonathan Sanchez.

There were two deals that carried over from Tuesday, but one will take a little more time. That is the six-player deal between Atlanta and the White Sox that will send right-hander Javier Vazquez to the Braves.

Braves team physician Dr. Xavier Duralde has not yet consulted with Vazquez concerning his MRI but the team is expected to make the official announcement Thursday. Atlanta also picked up left-handed reliever Boone Logan in the deal and sent four Minor Leaguers to the White Sox: shortstop Brent Lillibridge, catcher Tyler Flowers, third baseman Jon Gilmore and left-handed pitcher Santos Rodriguez.

The club could have a second acquisition to announce Thursday with catcher Dave Ross on the cusp of a two-year deal. The veteran catcher confirmed the offer with MLB.com's Mark Bowman on Wednesday night.

"We're close to signing," Ross said by phone.

Ross, who hit .226 in 262 games while playing for the Reds and Red Sox over the last two seasons, will provide veteran backup to Brian McCann. The deal is believed to be for $3.5 million.

As for making it official, Mike Hampton was all smiles as the Astros announced his one-year, $2 million deal. The veteran left-hander is returning to Houston after a decade's absence from the ballclub. Hampton last pitched for the Astros in 1999, when he was 22-4 and made the first of two All-Star appearances.

After missing all of 2006 and 2007, Hampton returned to start 13 games for the Braves last season and is looking to have a big year and possibly parlay that into a fat contract in the next free agent go-round.

"I didn't come here as a final resting place," Hampton said. "I came here to help this team win, continue to pitch well and pitch as many years as my kids will let me."

Also signing players Wednesday were the Marlins and Cardinals. Seattle added Russell Branyan for a year at $1.4 million while St. Louis and Trever Miller were finally able to come to terms.

The left-handed reliever was close to signing a two-year deal worth $4 million two weeks ago but a torn labrum in his left shoulder cut that contract in half, both in years and dollars. The 35-year-old former Rays reliever said he's likely had it for a couple of years and doesn't feel any pain.

"I played golf today. I throw batting practice to my kid. I just finished pitching in a World Series, and I came off one of my stronger seasons," Miller said. "So I am not worried in the least bit about this injury. I'm not going to use it as an excuse or crutch."

Miller will provide the Cardinals with a lefty specialist in the pen while the left-handed-hitting Branyan can play first, third or DH for Seattle.

Other Hot Stove tidbits:

He's not CC Sabathia but A.J. Burnett is generating plenty of interest and the New York Daily News reported Wednesday the Braves are preparing a five-year deal. ... The Padres have shopped Khalil Greene and a deal could be imminent. A blog entry on NYPost.com cited unnamed sources and said the shortstop could be dealt before Monday to the Cardinals ... Trevor Hoffman is a free agent and the closer will likely draw some attention from teams looking for lower-cost options to Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes. The Dodgers could be a player. ... Pat Burrell has been linked to the Mariners, Angels and Giants, but MLB.com's Chris Haft said San Francisco considers Burrell a secondary option. ... Adam Dunn is another name that is gaining momentum, with Ken Rosenthal of Foxsports.com including the Braves, Mariners and Nationals in the hunt, but Bowman said the Braves need right-handed bats. ... Cleveland is not a likely destination for third baseman Casey Blake. Both the Dodgers and Twins appear willing to go three years. ... The Red Sox are expected to announce the signing of Japanese pitcher Junichi Tazawa on Thursday. ... If the Rockies offer a multiyear deal, Garrett Atkins will listen.