Athletics Acquire Ben Zobrist, Yunel Escobar  —  The Rays have announced that they've traded Ben Zobrist and shortstop Yunel Escobar to the Athletics for catcher/DH John Jaso, shortstop prospect Daniel Robertson, and outfield prospect Boog Powell.  The Rays also announced …

Minor League Transactions: Dec. 24-Jan. 8  —  Official minor league transactions, conveyed to Baseball America by Major League Baseball, for the period Dec. 24-Jan. 8.  Arizona Diamondbacks Signed: LHP Jose Jose (re-signed), 1B Jordan Pacheco (re-signed), 2B [...]

Finally healthy, Daniel Bard prepared for a comeback  —  He was, with little debate, the best setup man in major league baseball in 2010 and 2011.  It was tough to deny that Daniel Bard was a stud with that 97-mile-per-hour heat, where he'd be automatic in the eighth inning for the Red Sox before giving way to Jonathan Papelbon.

Herzog calls 1985 team his best as Cards manager  —  Whitey Herzog managed the Cardinals for 11 seasons, not starting one of those years and not finishing two others — one being 1980, when he ascended to the general manager's post with a month to go in the season and then hired himself back as manager when the season was over.

Play should be declared a catch by virtue of being secure in player's glove  —  Joe Torre joins The Rundown on Friday to discuss the adjustment MLB made to the interpretation of the transfer rule  —  Major League Baseball's Playing Rules Committee provided today a clearer interpretation …

Yankees lefthander CC Sabathia says knee is feeling ‘fine’ after injury-shortened season  —  Sabathia was all smiles on Friday night at the inaugural boxing card for Roc Nation Sports, the same sports agency that inked him last January to represent him on and off the field.

More moves must be made by Rockies before spring training  —  MORE MOVES MUST BE MADE BY ROCKIES BEFORE SPRING TRAINING  —  The Denver Post  —  Colorado starting pitcher Jhoulys Chacin delivered to the plate in the first inning.  The Colorado Rockies hosted the San Francisco Giants on May 21, 2014.

Cano to log short stint in Dominican Winter League  —  11/16/14: Robinson Cano discusses his experience eating Japanese cuisine and talks about the injury to his right foot  —  SEATTLE — Robinson Cano has been granted permission by the Mariners to play a handful of games …

Pirates' Burnett aims to defy age curve  —  A.J. Burnett began thinking about returning to the Pirates last season.  —  When the Philadelphia Phillies and Pirates seasons intersected, Burnett told his former teammates how awkward it felt to be pitching against them, like he was pitching live batting practice in spring training.

Tigers: Iglesias on target for return to full health  —  Still to come are the hard tests that will determine if he can run and shift nimbly, and repeatedly, on a baseball field during successive days and games.  But the Tigers are satisfied shortstop Jose Iglesias is closer to a reunion with full health and his vital lineup role.

Arizona Diamondbacks GM Dave Stewart: Price too high for catchers via trade  —  On the day the Diamondbacks traded Miguel Montero, General Manager Dave Stewart said finding another catcher was something the club had to do.  But after seeing the cost of catchers on the trade market, Stewart doesn't seem to feel that way anymore.