The Tony La Russa-led Arizona Diamondbacks, trying to run down the Los Angeles Dodgers, splurged for free-agent righthander Zack Greinke and traded for former Cardinals righthander Shelby Miller and for shortstop Jean Segura.
The Chicago Cubs snatched free agents Jason Heyward and John Lackey from the Cardinals and also bought infielder Ben Zobrist as they seek their first World Series championship since stamps were two cents apiece in 1908.
And the Boston Red Sox, attempting to win the World Series for the fourth time in 13 seasons, edged out the Cardinals at the 11th hour for prized lefthander David Price.