These days, Mike Piazza refers to himself as an artist, noting that his job is not to critique his own work. Others have labeled him the greatest offensive catcher in history. But to date, even that superlative has not swayed enough writers with Hall of Fame votes.

Following his Hall of Fame induction in July, John Smoltz will be one of four bull’s-eyes in the next high-temp roast in Cooperstown, N.Y. Indeed, he may be the primary target; not because of who he is or all that he has accomplished in the game, but because two of the roasters will be former Braves colleagues, Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux.

Pedro Martinez’s utter dominance during his peak years helped guide him to the lofty status of first-ballot Hall of Famer when the results were announced on Tuesday. Martinez’s prime is hard to top — and ultimately was too powerful for voters to overlook.

The Astros have a Hall of Famer they can call their own. Craig Biggio, who played all 20 seasons in the big leagues in an Astros uniform and amassed 3,060 hits in his amazing career, was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Tuesday afternoon in voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

Randy Johnson officially rejoined the D-backs organization Tuesday when he agreed to become a special assistant to team president/CEO Derrick Hall.

If there’s ever a time in the coming weeks or months when Padres outfielder Justin Upton senses trepidation on the part of his new teammates about playing at Petco Park, he will be sure to set them straight right away. “I think the new guys are going to love it,” Upton said.

Four of the newcomers Preller acquired to help accomplish that goal were on display Tuesday at Petco Park. Outfielders Justin Upton and Wil Myers, catcher Derek Norris and third baseman Will Middlebrooks, all of whom became Padres in a three-day trading frenzy last month, were formally introduced to the media.

On Tuesday, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America made official what baseball fans have known for years — Randy Johnson is a Hall of Famer.

Tim Raines had a chance to join former Expos teammates Gary Carter and Andre Dawson in the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Tuesday, but the longtime switch-hitting outfielder fell short of election. Raines received 55 percent of the vote, up from the 46.1 percent he received last year. Raines was on the ballot for a eighth year.

Today, we celebrate greatness in all its forms. Randy Johnson’s quiet confidence and overpowering stuff define it. So do Pedro Martinez’s pinpoint control and indomitable spirit. Meanwhile, John Smoltz’s power and precision were part of the fuel that carried the Braves to 14 consecutive first-place finishes, one of the great rides any team has ever had. There’s Craig Biggio, whose relentless drive helped transform an entire franchise, the Houston Astros, the one he spent all 20 of his big league seasons with.

For the first time since 1955, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America elected four members — Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz and Craig Biggio — to the Hall of Fame on Tuesday.

The Rockies upgraded their catching Monday by signing free agent Nick Hundley to a two-year deal, reported by CBS Sports to be worth $6.25 million — $3.1 million in 2015 and $3.15 million in 2016.

Many hitters taking part in the White Sox mini-camp at Camelback Ranch represent the franchise’s future. But for some of the 15-or-so players in attendance in Arizona, including starting center fielder Adam Eaton, second-base candidate Micah Johnson and catcher Rob Brantly, the future is now.

The Yankees recently interviewed Willie Randolph for a position on the team’s coaching staff, MLB.com has learned. The Yankees’ interest in Randolph would be to fill the position previously held by Mick Kelleher, working with the club’s infielders and coaching first base during games.

Stu Miller, who will be remembered more for committing history’s most famous balk than for his formidable pitching, died Sunday at his home in Cameron Park, Calif. He was 87.

Here are the 14 known ballots of MLB.com reporters and columnists in the 2015 Hall of Fame vote conducted by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

The Rangers have re-signed utility infielder Adam Rosales to a one-year, $900,000 contract. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Rangers have designated pitcher Matt West for assignment.