UPDATE at 12:34 p.m. --Adam McCalvy of MLB.com and Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel are both reporting that Jeffress still could be the "player to be named later," with McCalvy adding that the Royals are doing research on a matter unrelated to his history of drug suspensions.

Most of the national writers are jumping into the fray to announce what I had confirmed late last night -- that the Brewers have reached agreement with the Royals on a trade for right-hander Zack Greinke, shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt and financial considerations.

There are some reports out this morning saying that RHP Jeremy Jeffress is not going to be a part of the deal with the Brewers instead sending Kansas City a player to be named later along with shortstop Alcides Escobar, centerfielder Lorenzo Cain and right-hander Jake Odorizzi, but those reports have not been confirmed yet, either.

I've also read a report from Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated suggesting that an announcement could come as early as this afternoon because the story is already out, but that's probably unlikely as the players all need to pass physicals and the commissioner's office needs to sign off on the deal since Kansas City is expected to include cash in the trade.

It's been a long night and a hectic morning, but I'll have more on the trade as information becomes available. In the meantime, you've got to admire the way Doug Melvin went to work this winter to improve the ball club. With pitching as a goal, he was able to land the best pitcher not named Cliff Lee available and probably the best pitcher that wasn't available in Shaun Marcum -- and he did so without significantly disrupting the existing major league offense.

Sure, Cain was the probably opening day starter in center and Escobar was the regular shortstop in 2010. Take those two out of the equation, however, and it doesn't do much to impact the offense, which finished fourth last year in runs scored.

Yes, Melvin paid a high price but you can't build a contender and a future champion at the same time. With one year left of Prince Fielder, Melvin has done what was necessary to make the most of it.