Sources: Big Z headed to Miami  —  Big Z is headed to Miami.  —  The Marlins, seeking to make another offseason splash, are close to acquiring Cubs right-hander Carlos Zambrano, according to major-league sources.  —  Zambrano, 31, would need to waive his full no-trade clause to complete the deal, if he hasn't done so already.

Torre resigns to explore bid to buy Dodgers  —  LOS ANGELES — Former Dodgers manager Joe Torre has resigned his position as executive vice president for baseball operations of Major League Baseball to pursue a purchase of the club, MLB announced on Wednesday.

Coco Crisp says he chose A's over Rays  —  I just spoke to old-new A's center fielder Coco Crisp, whose two-year deal will become official tomorrow after his physical, and he told me that his decision came down to Tampa Bay and Oakland.  —  There were pros and cons to both …

Sources: Ramirez prefers to stay at SS  —  All is still not settled between Hanley Ramirez and the Miami Marlins  —  Ramirez seemed to indicate that he was willing to move from shortstop to third base in an interview with the Associated Press last Friday in the Dominican Republic.

Tigers' Dombrowski: Jacob Turner not on trading block  —  Jacob Turner, it appears, is not for sale.  —  Dave Dombrowski, the Tigers president and general manager, said during an energized Wednesday phone conversation that the Tigers have no plans, nor desire, to trade their 20-year-old …

Pirates, starter Maholm talk; return is unlikely  —  The Pirates and free-agent pitcher Paul Maholm have had discussions, but a team source confirmed Tuesday that his return to Pittsburgh is highly unlikely.  —  Management continues to seek to add to its rotation, but any additions probably …

Sox may prefer Soler to Cespedes  —  The Red Sox have scouted and are impressed with both Cuban defectors Yoennis Cespedes and Jorge Soler, but it appears the Red Sox will likely pass on the huge dollars it may take to sign Cespedes and bid for Soler instead, according to a major league source.

Aoki workout this weekend  —  By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel  —  Brewers general manager Doug Melvin told me this morning that he expects the workout of Japanese outfielder Norichika Aoki to take place sometime this weekend in Phoenix.  —  Melvin didn't want to specify the exact …

Astros go data-heavy with addition of director of decision sciences  —  The Astros boosted their commitment to a data-driven existence under new general manager Jeff Luhnow and CEO George Postolos with the hiring of Sig Mejdal as the club's director of decision sciences.  —  In plain English?

2012 ZiPS Projections - Milwaukee Brewers  —  The Brewers projections go up and just about the perfect time: after Betancourt is gone, after Ramirez is signed, but before Fielder signs elsewhere.  Fielder's a great player, but the Brewers really do have a solid team that can survive even the loss …

Scouting reports for the Top 10 Prospects (How to subscribe) … Since becoming general manager of the Yankees in 1998, Brian Cashman has overseen a franchise that has missed the playoffs only once while winning 100 games six times and earning four World Series championships.

SportsWire Twins Mackey: Twins narrowing down search for free-agent bullpen options  —  With the team payroll sitting right around $97 million, the Minnesota Twins still have some breathing room underneath their self-imposed $100 million comfort zone.  —  The team hopes to use that remaining money …