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.

Astros' new GM adds stats guru, ex-cheerleader to staff  —  LAST UPDATED 14 hours and 25 minutes ago … New Astros GM Jeff Luhnow is building a front office geek squad.  (AP Photo) … Luhnow makes another unusual move

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 …

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 …

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 …

Dobbs returning to Marlins on two-year deal  —  Versatile veteran provides depth at both corner-infield positions  —  MIAMI — An already productive offseason for the Marlins got a little bit better on Tuesday.  Greg Dobbs, a key contributor during a difficult 2011, is remaining with the club.

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 …

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.