Ned Yost wouldn't let James Shields try for a 1-0 complete-game win. Terry Francona has already let Justin Masterson do it twice this year. ...more

On the first two stops of a challenging road trip, the Kansas City Royals ended the Atlanta Braves' 10-game winning streak, and then ended the Boston Red Sox's seven-game winning streak. Next up is Detroit, and while the Tigers don't have a winning streak, 3 to Watch points out that they are the team the Royals must prove themselves against in the American League Central. ...more

When it comes to the World Baseball Classic, it seems that major-league players and managers are like any other fans. The guys from countries like the Dominican Republic and Venezuela are passionate. The Americans are philosophical. ...more

Chase Headley heads a list of players who filed arbitration numbers on Friday. Headley asked for $10.3 million, with the Padres countering at $7.075 million. ...more

The Reds want to re-sign Ryan Ludwick, and are hopeful of doing so. The Reds also still want to add a leadoff hitter, but that has been more difficult. They tried but fell short on a trade for Ben Revere, and have talked to the Rockies about Dexter Fowler. ...more

The Rockies are sending a bare-bones contingent to the winter meetings, choosing instead to gather their top scouts in Denver with general manager Dan O'Dowd. That doesn't mean they have nothing to do, and sources say they would discuss trading Dexter Fowler and Michael Cuddyer. ...more

As crazy as it seemed, even to him, the White Sox were right to hire Robin Ventura. The Cardinals were right to hire Mike Matheny. Does that mean the Rockies are right to hire Walt Weiss? Maybe he'll prove them right, but is this trend really worth following? ...more