Haren dealt to Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired All-Star pitcher Dan Haren from the Oakland A’s and traded major league saves leader Jose Valverde to the Houston Astros in separate deals involving 12 players Friday.

Oakland also sent right-hander Connor Robertson to Arizona and received six players: left-handers Brett Anderson, Dana Eveland and Greg Smith; infielder Chris Carter; and outfielders Aaron Cunningham and Carlos Gonzalez.

The National League West champion Diamondbacks got reliever Chad Qualls, infielder Chris Burke and right-hander Juan Gutierrez from the Astros.

Haren, the American League starter in the All-Star game this year, joins a Diamondbacks rotation that includes 2006 NL Cy Young Award winner Brandon Webb.

Arizona also hopes to get Randy Johnson back from injury next season.

“I’m extremely excited,” Haren said. “Just having spent a couple of spring trainings in Phoenix, me and my wife really love the town. There’s just so much to do, and the team is obviously on the rise . . . a lot of young guys. It looks like a fun team to be on.”

Haren, who was 15-9 with a 3.07 earned-run average this season, became the first elite starter to switch teams this off-season -- which could set off a flurry of moves by other teams in search of pitching.

Valverde, who had 47 saves in 54 chances this year, takes over as Houston’s closer for inconsistent Brad Lidge, a 2005 All-Star who was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies on Nov. 7 in a five-player deal.

The San Diego Padres agreed in principle to acquire center fielder Jim Edmonds and cash from the St. Louis Cardinals for a minor leaguer.

The deal was waiting approval from the commissioner’s office because it will involve about $1 million going from the Cardinals to the Padres, according to a source with knowledge of the deal, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn’t been finalized.

The Cardinals will get minor league third baseman David Freese.

Edmonds, 37, was slowed by injuries last season, but the eight-time Gold Glove winner recently pronounced himself fit.

Third baseman Mike Lamb and the Minnesota Twins agreed to terms on a two-year, $6.6 million contract with an option for 2010. Lamb is likely to get a chance to play regularly for the Twins.

Nick Punto played 108 games at third this season and batted only .210 with one home run and 25 runs batted in in 472 at-bats. Lamb batted .289 with 11 homers and 40 RBIs in 124 games with the Houston Astros.

Shortstop David Eckstein and the Toronto Blue Jays finalized their one-year, $4.5-million contract. The 2006 World Series MVP, Eckstein spent the last three seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Eckstein batted a career-best .309 this year with three homers, 31 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 117 games.

Cliff Floyd agreed to terms on a one-year, $3-million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, who were searching for a left-handed hitter and someone to help replace Delmon Young in right field.

The 35-year-old Floyd batted .284 with nine home runs and 45 RBIs in 108 games for the Chicago Cubs.

Acquiring help for their bullpen, the Texas Rangers introduced Japanese reliever Kazuo Fukumori after they agreed to terms on a two-year, $3-million deal that includes a team option for 2010.