Diamondbacks still interested in James Shields, despite tight budget  —  Although the imminent signing of Cuban right-hander Yoan Lopez puts the Diamondbacks beyond their financial comfort zone and could push them to make cost-cutting moves, General Manager Dave Stewart said Tuesday …

Diamondbacks Agree To Sign Yoan Lopez  —  Cuban righthander Yoan Lopez has agreed to sign with the Diamondbacks for $8.25 million.  —  Lopez is 21, so he is subject to the international bonus pools.  The Lopez signing puts the Diamondbacks well beyond their allotted pool space …

Braves sign Wandy Rodriguez to minor league deal  —  The Braves signed veteran left-hander Wandy Rodriguez to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, where he'll compete for the fifth spot in the starting rotation, a person familiar with the situation said.

Justus Sheffield, two others face charges  —  Three former members of the Tullahoma High School baseball team are facing charges following an incident that occurred early Monday on Cumberland Avenue in Tullahoma, according to police.  —  Justus Sheffield, 18, the Gatorade National Baseball Player …

Document from 1945 - two years before Jackie Robinson broke MLB color barrier - saying black players couldn't make it in baseball is up for sale  —  A 1945 document offered for sale by a Long Island sports memorabilia auction house is a stark reminder that powerful forces within MLB were bitterly opposed to desegregation.

Red Sox create new behavioral health department  —  The annual announcement of Red Sox front office personnel changes typically features an array of title changes and newly hired evaluators who put in critical but unseen work, and this year's will be little different — except, perhaps, on one count.

No team emerging from the pack quite yet, but plenty of potential this season  —  Richard Justice analyzes the Nationals' strong roster and discusses what GM Mike Rizzo might do next, including options for second base  —  Is there one team out there you're absolutely certain will be in the playoffs this season?

CHANGES COMING TO MLBPA AGENT CERTIFICATION … It's soon going to be harder to be an agent certified by the Major League Baseball Player's Association.  The process is about to change, and though it's been due for an update for a while, the new rules are not without questions.  Will they change anything?

Ace Hamels still on Padres' radar; Wil Myers not involved in talks  —  Fresh off a trio of bold impact moves to rework their entire outfield and the middle of their lineup, the aggressive Padres are still said to be alive for another potential blockbuster, this one involving Philly's ace …

Moss, five other Indians file for arbitration  —  MLB.com Indians reporter Jordan Bastian discusses the club's trade for Brandon Moss and how this move could lead to more transactions  —  CLEVELAND — The Indians' most prominent arbitration case this offseason involves the team's most prominent acquisition of the winter.