Reyes thinking long, hard about Marlins  —  MILWAUKEE  —  It's not just that the Miami Marlins want Jose Reyes.  —  Reyes also wants the Marlins.  —  One source who has spoken with Reyes says the free-agent shortstop is intrigued not only by playing in Miami but also by playing …

Cartoon bird returns as O's unveil new uniforms  —  BALTIMORE — The cartoon bird is back.  —  The Orioles unveiled several uniform changes for 2012 on Tuesday morning, including the cartoon bird — a revamped combination of several older versions that will be on team hats for both home and road games …

Sabathia fourth in AL Cy Young Award voting  —  The importance of CC Sabathia's presence in a rotation cannot be understated, to the point where the Yankees' main focus immediately after the season was to make sure their left-handed ace wasn't going anywhere.

Rockies expect to watch Sizemore work out soon  —  MILWAUKEE - There's no gray area with free agent Grady Sizemore.  —  He's either the best bargain or the worst signing.  It has everything to do with his health.  Sizemore has been involved in five surgeries over the last three years …

Giants want to lock up Lincecum  —  MILWAUKEE — The San Francisco Giants have been quiet so far this winter, but rather than chase free agents their biggest goal at present appears to be to lock up superstar pitcher Tim Lincecum.  The Giants will make an attempt to sign the two-time Cy Young winner …

If Elias Used WAR  —  Yesterday, Buster Olney reported that Major League baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association were nearing agreement on the new CBA.  Olney notes that the new collective bargaining agreement will likely address free agent compensation by getting rid of compensation picks in the first round.

Frank McCourt apologizes to Dodgers fans  —  Dodgers owner says he's at peace after battles with Major League Baseball and his ex-wife.  —  Dodgers owner Frank McCourt arrives for the dedication of the Dodger Dreamfield at Mona Park in Compton on Monday.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times / November 14, 2011)

Lack of success by Japanese stars opens debate about next wave … When the Boston Red Sox signed Daisuke Matsuzaka to a six-year contract beginning in 2007 — a $103 million investment including a $51 million posting fee to acquire his rights — they worried about the Third-Year Wall.

Cubs interview Hale, bringing candidates to five  —  Hoyer chats with Boston bench coach by phone; no timeline set  —  MILWAUKEE — The Cubs added another name to their list of managerial candidates Monday, as general manager Jed Hoyer interviewed Red Sox coach and Chicago native DeMarlo Hale for the vacancy.

How to revamp schedule after Astros move  —  The Houston Astros are about to get a new league and Major League Baseball will get a new schedule as a result of it.  —  Jim Crane is expected to be approved this week by MLB as the Astros' new owner and in return has agreed to move the team …

Paul involved in identity hoax with Aussie league  —  Minor Leaguer Brown used Bucs outfielder's name to gain entry  —  PITTSBURGH — Pirates outfielder Xavier Paul has become caught in the middle of an identity hoax that had officials with the Australian Baseball League expecting Paul's arrival …