Joe Maddon has a new challenge in shortstop Yunel Escobar as Tampa Bay continues to depend on its manager to mold quirky characters (or worse) into a winning blend. ...more

Cleveland has a little money to spend and will add a hitter, who could be an ex-Indians standout like Jim Thome or Travis Hafner. Manny Ramirez does not appear to be a thought, though. ...more

Josh Hamilton, Michael Bourn, Shane Victorino, Angel Pagan, Nick Swisher and Ichiro lead a long litany of outfieldrs who remain available. ...more

The Tampa Bay Rays, who are known for making as good of use of their money, as just about anyone, are said to be planning to make the $13.3-million qualifying offer to free-agent outfielder B.J. Upton while also picking up the $10.25-million option on pitcher James Shields and catcher Jose Molina. ...more