Rangers Sign Ian Desmond  —  Ian Desmond's drawn out free agency has come to a close, as the Rangers announced today that they've signed Desmond to a one-year contract that reportedly guarantees the longtime National $8MM for the 2016 campaign.  Desmond, a client of Sports One Athlete Management …

Which locations make the most sense for MLB expansion?  —  Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred told reporters recently that he's interested in expanding from 30 to 32 franchises.  The sport's growing revenues support the concept, and Manfred cited the favorable schedule of 16-team leagues split into four divisions of four.

Church shooting suspect due in court  —  DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Daniel Schooler is due in court Monday after a fatal shooting in a Dayton church Sunday.  —  A Dayton pastor is dead after police said he was allegedly shot by his younger brother.  —  Family members of the two said they are in shock after what happened.

The perfect ending for David Ortiz is a farewell tour that we remember as a victory tour  —  At age 40, Big Papi remains the heart of the Red Sox and at the heart of the batting order.  —  PRESENTED BY  —  Being that it is the month that brought my sixth birthday, my recollections …

Cole upset at Pirates over salary  —  BRADENTON, Fla. - Gerrit Cole is the emerging star of the Pirates' starting rotation.  —  As the team set his salary for 2016, however, Cole feels he was treated like a second-class player.  —  On Saturday, Cole grudgingly signed a deal for $541,000 in base salary.

Cubs convinced Addison Russell will thrive at shortstop  —  MESA, Ariz. — Some people have epiphanies when they're struck by bolts of lightning.  Addison Russell inadvertently glimpsed his destiny via a beer sign on the north side of Chicago.  —  In 2010, Russell was a 16-year-old high …

Minor League Transactions: Feb. 19-25  —  Official minor league transactions, conveyed to Baseball America by Major League Baseball, for the period Feb. 19-25.  —  New!  The Baseball America Minor League Free Agent Tracker is now much more comprehensive than it was last week.

Yankees' 2015 first-round pick James Kaprielian takes strength from watching late mother's long battle with cancer  —  TAMPA - James Kaprielian didn't want to go.  —  A 20-year-old star pitcher from UCLA who should have been on top of the world following the 2014 season …

Shane Victorino signs with Cubs hoping to make roster, go on title run  —  MESA, Ariz. — The Chicago Cubs signed outfielder Shane Victorino to a minor league deal Friday with an invitation to big league camp.  —  Victorino will earn $1 million in base salary if he makes the major league club …

Troy Tulowitzki says he's done feeling bitter at the Rockies  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. - The subject came up more than once during the postseason, in casual conversation, during formal interviews.  —  Troy Tulowitzki, instead of savoring his first playoff appearance since 2009 …

Cincinnati Reds look to Devin Mesoraco to mold young pitchers  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. - There are nine pitchers in the mix to be in the rotation for the Cincinnati Reds on Opening Day.  Devin Mesoraco has caught one of them.  For six innings.  —  Before his 2015 season was derailed by a hip issue …

Edmonds tutors Grichuk in center field  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • During Saturday's live batting practice sessions, when all of the attention is on the pitcher, one player watched intently as Jim Edmonds made his return to center field.  —  The Cardinals' former All-Star tightened his shoes …

Diamondbacks Sign Rickie Weeks To Minor League Deal  —  The Diamondbacks have signed infielder/outfielder Rickie Weeks to a minor league contract, as per the team's official Twitter feed.  The deal contains an invitation to their big league Spring Training camp.  Weeks is represented by the Legacy Agency.