Hall of Fame electees John Smoltz, Randy Johnson, Craig Biggio and Pedro Martinez shared a stage in New York on Wednesday to discuss what the honor means to them.

Few athletes burst into the spotlight of their sport the way Ken Griffey Jr. did as one of the most memorable young stars in Major League history, displaying power and athletic style beyond his years, and a smile that lit up the grand old game. Soon, Griffey will make another debut, this time on the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot atop the 2016 class of players under consideration.

The kudos for Craig Biggio came in various forms from former teammates and managers, fellow Hall of Famers, a former president and even Houston Texans stud defensive lineman J.J. Watt, after Biggio became the first Astros player elected to the Hall of Fame by receiving 82.7 percent of the vote.

Randy Johnson, the towering, semi-sidewinding left-hander who was always the easiest person to find in his team pictures, blossomed from a raw talent into a pitcher who terrorized hitters. There’s never been one like him, writes columnist Phil Rogers.

In their first year on the Hall of Fame ballot, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz were elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America on Tuesday, while Craig Biggio was elected in his third year on the ballot.

The Red Sox will have a familiar lefty back in their bullpen in 2015, as Craig Breslow officially re-upped with the club on a one-year, $2 million deal on Wednesday.

The longer James Shields remains on the free-agent market, the more intriguing the right-hander becomes to a team like the Marlins. But the question remains: can Miami afford “Big Game James” without blowing the lid off its budget?

After a 95-loss season, GM Jon Daniels could have cleaned house. Instead, he’ll be looking for a boost from the return of several injured stars.

Bernie Pleskoff takes a look at which Reds prospects could see the big leagues in 2015, including the team’s top two prospects, Robert Stephenson and Jesse Winker.

Many will continue to send their congratulations along to newly elected Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, but the first people to share the moment with him were those closest to him. The second baseman was in his Houston home, alongside his wife, Patty; sons Conor and Cavan; daughter, Quinn; and agent Barry Axelrod when he first found out he’d be enshrined in Cooperstown.

When Craig Biggio was a catcher at Seton Hall University, one particular play may have defined him. All these years later, it’s the play that probably reflects his drive and passion more than any words ever could.

The Yankees are finalizing a one-year agreement with infielder Stephen Drew, who is expected to return to the club as their starting second baseman for the 2015 season. The deal, which was not confirmed by the club, will be worth approximately $5 million plus performance bonuses, according to a source familiar with the negotiations, and is pending the passing of a physical.

Braves Hall of Famers Bobby Cox and Tom Glavine were excited that John Smoltz joined them (and fellow Atlanta legend Greg Maddux) when Cooperstown opened its doors on Tuesday.

A second straight year with a class of true baseball legends has the Hall of Fame high above the doldrums of 2013, when Cooperstown opened its doors, but no one was elected.

Right-hander Tim Hudson won’t be ready for the opening of Spring Training after undergoing surgery to remove bone spurs from his right ankle.

Right-hander John Smoltz will take his spot alongside former Braves teammates Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine in Cooperstown after being elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year on the ballot. Smoltz joins Pedro Martinez, Craig Biggio and Randy Johnson in the class of 2015.

At this point, Wil Myers can’t be certain the Rays gave up on him after two short seasons, nor does he really care at this point. Myers said Tuesday that he’s ready to start a new chapter of his professional career with the Padres — the team that traded for him last month.