According to a report in the Dominican newspaper El Caribe, Rays closer Fernando Rodney is planning to pitch for his native Dominican Republic in the 2013 World Baseball Classic this March.

Outfielder Colby Rasmus, one of four prominent Blue Jays players eligible for salary arbitration this offseason, signed a one-year contract worth $4.67 million.

Tim Wilken was the Cubs’ scouting director in 2009, and he talked to three NFL teams about their projections for Colin Kaepernick, who was a talented pitcher in high school but playing quarterback at that time for Nevada.

The Blue Jays brought a familiar face back into the fold on Monday afternoon by signing outfielder Adam Loewen to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.

While the Reds prepare to defend a National League Central Division crown, both corners of their infield, Joey Votto and Todd Frazier, have important tests to pass in Spring Training, and beyond.

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo will play for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic. The Classic rosters will be officially released on Thursday, but Rizzo confirmed on Monday that he will join the Italian team.

The A’s announced on Monday that they and manager Bob Melvin agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension through the 2016 season.

As the early days of 2013 have elapsed, Brian McCann has replaced a fear of uncertainty with a sense that his surgically repaired right shoulder will be strong enough for him to be ready at the start of the most important year of his career.

Joakim Soria said he signed with the Rangers because he wanted a place to pitch. He was a closer for five seasons for the Royals but understands that might not be his role with the Rangers.

This is a time of year when it’s easy to look at a team’s roster and get a queasy feeling about the question marks, but the Rangers have been careful about not throwing good money — or prospects — at bad.

Michael Bourn, Kyle Lohse and Rafael Soriano have a lot in common. They’re all looking for lucrative multiyear deals. They’re all represented by Scott Boras. And they’re all, somehow, still looking for employment for 2013 and beyond.

They may not say it publicly, or even to their skipper, but anyone would kill to bat second in the Angels’ lineup, because it means hitting in front of one of baseball’s most dynamic players in Mike Trout and two of its most feared sluggers in Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton.

Each year since 1987, at least one player has received exactly one Hall of Fame endorsement. A nod for Aaron Sele on this year’s ballot sparked some confusion, especially given the lack of accord among the 570 voters.

CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman has reported that R.A. Dickey, Andy Pettitte and Craig Kimbrel are set to join manager Joe Torre’s star-studded roster in this year’s World Baseball Classic.

Despite the cold, winter temperature and the recent return of hockey to town, Canada’s boys of summer received a warm reception from the citizens of Oil Country during the Edmonton stop of their Winter Tour, presented by TD, across Canada.

Former Giants closer Brian Wilson worked out privately for the Mets, who may be looking to add some bullpen depth behind Frank Francisco for the 2013 season, according to multiple reports.

Royals southpaw Bruce Chen, who was born and raised in Panama but is of Chinese descent, will play for Team China in the World Baseball Classic, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. Chen pitched for Team Panama in both 2006 and ’09.