Hall of Fame case: Gary Sheffield's candidacy up for debate  —  After Gary Sheffield played 22 seasons with eight teams, his career didn't end with a whimper.  —  That hardly would have been the style of a man as fearless about standing up for himself as he was fearsome, taking one of the most violent and effective swings of his era.

Atlanta sends relievers Carpenter, Shreve to NY  —  Jim Callis discusses the Braves' acquisition of pitching prospect Manny Banuelos from the Yankees for David Carpenter and Chasen Shreve  —  ATLANTA — The Braves utilized the bullpen depth they have recently built to acquire Manny Banuelos …

Orioles notes and observations on Ryan Webb and free agent Colby Rasmus  —  The Orioles are counting on a few key players - namely third baseman Manny Machado and catcher Matt Wieters - to get fully healthy this offseason and be able to contribute early in the regular season.

Lack of payroll flexibility may limit club in free agency  —  MLB.com's Jim Duquette starts off the Hot Stove season with a preview of the 2014-2015 MLB free-agent class  —  CINCINNATI — The end of the World Series means one thing to fans of the teams that weren't playing in it …

“Mutual interest” in Tillman extension, and other notes  —  With so much attention placed on the Orioles' attempts to craft their roster for the upcoming season, it's easy to forget that they need to give raises to their 11 arbitration-eligible players.  —  Players can file for arbitration on Jan. 13 …

WHAT THE PADRES HAVE, AND MIGHT HAVE, IN BRANDON MAURER  —  Trades don't get a lot cleaner than the deal we just recently saw between the Mariners and the Padres.  The Mariners needed a left-handed semi-regular outfielder, and had relievers to spare.  The Padres needed a reliever, and had left-handed semi-regular outfielders to spare.

Haren not intending on joining Marlins  —  MIAMI — Dan Haren has informed the Marlins that his preference remains to pitch out West, and for a team that has Spring Training in Arizona.  The 34-year-old California native had been weighing his options sinced he was traded to Miami from the Dodgers on Dec. 10.

C's in for a bittersweet reunion  —  Boston will applaud its former star Rondo, but mixed feelings still linger  —  Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle did his due diligence when he investigated trading for Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo by gathering impressions from Doc Rivers, Danny Ainge, Brad Stevens and former teammates.

COLORADO ROCKIES / MLB  —  NICK HUNDLEY AGREES TO 2-YEAR DEAL WITH COLORADO ROCKIES, REPORT SAYS  —  The Denver Post  —  Nick Hundley broke into the major leagues with the Padres in 2008.  In 560 games over seven seasons with the Padres and Orioles, Hundley has a .238 career batting average.

Blue Jays complete Major League coaching staff & Minor League assignments for 2015  —  The TORONTO BLUE JAYS have named DANE JOHNSON as Bullpen Coach and ERIC OWENS as Assistant Hitting Coach, who will assist recently appointed Hitting Coach Brook Jacoby in 2015.

Hot Stove: Padres pushed for Kuroda?  —  Rounding up recent offseason news in the NL West  —  In one dizzying week, A.J. Preller overhauled the Padres' entire outfield.  After a short holiday break, the Padres' rookie general manager turned his attention toward a strength …

Alex Gordon has wrist surgery, Royals expect recovery before opening day  —  ›  —  ‹  —  Royals left fielder Alex Gordon underwent surgery on his right wrist, the team announced on Tuesday.  —  Gordon, who won his fourth straight Gold Glove in 2014, is expected by the Royals …

Reds acquire ‘big bat’ in Byrd via Phils trade … The Cincinnati Reds have acquired veteran outfielder Marlon Byrd in a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies, the teams announced Wednesday.  —  He gets $8 million next season on the final year of a two-year deal that includes an $8 million team option for 2016.