After getting into trouble with the law and doing some jail time, Mark Grace spent the summer working with the D-backs’ extended spring program and then served as hitting coach for its Arizona Rookie League squad. Along the way Grace discovered that he enjoyed coaching.

Only a few Minor League deals were signed Monday, a relatively quiet day on the Hot Stove. Among those who found homes were veteran infielder Cesar Izturis, who signed with the Astros, and left-hander Jeff Francis, who signed with the Reds.

One down, one to go? The Orioles announced Monday night that they’ve signed Delmon Young to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training, the first of two players they plan on having at this week’s minicamp. The O’s are also interested in Jack Cust on a similar deal to Young.

The Rays have invited two more players with Major League experience to Spring Training, agreeing Monday to Minor League contracts with outfielder Justin Christian and catcher Eddy Rodriguez.

Steve Connelly, who pitched in both the A’s and Giants organizations during a nine-year professional career, has been named pitching coach of the Vermont Lake Monsters, the A’s short-season Class A Minor League affiliate in the New York-Penn League.

The Angels offer a prime location, boast a star-studded team and have available funds. And according to a weekend report from the Japanese publication Sports Hochi, that combination has made them among three favorites — along with the Yankees and Dodgers — to land coveted 25-year-old right-hander Masahiro Tanaka.

The Yankees have had a very nice offseason. Are they better than they were at the end of the 2013 season? Yes, they are. There’s little question about that. The Yankees could be better at seven of nine everyday positions, and that includes third base. If they land Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka to the rotation, they will have positioned themselves to return to the postseason. Or at least be in the conversation.

Alex Rodriguez sued Major League Baseball and its players’ union Monday, seeking to overturn a season-long suspension imposed by an arbitrator who ruled there was “clear and convincing evidence” he used three banned substances and twice tried to obstruct the sport’s drug investigation.

Though the Phillies have remained mostly quiet this offseason, Chase Utley on Monday said he’s confident that he made the right decision to remain in Philadelphia. With pitchers and catchers set to report one month from Monday, Utley said he’s excited to enter Spring Training with a healthy roster in Ryne Sandberg’s first full season at the helm.

Wayne Gretzky headlined a news conference on Monday to advance the Jan. 25 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series game between the Kings and Ducks, set to be the first hockey game at Dodger Stadium, the first outdoor NHL game west of the Mississippi River and the southernmost outdoor game in league history.

Say what you will about Alex Rodriguez, but he was, even at his advanced age, the Yankees’ best available third-base option. After he was suspended for the entire 2014 season, third base, in particular, and the infield, at large, have become pretty big concerns for the Yanks.

Just over a year after Nick Swisher was introduced to Indians fans as one of the new faces of the team, he’s getting his own television special. SportsTime Ohio announced on Monday that it will profile Swisher’s life in a new feature program that debuts on Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. ET.

The Royals have restructured right-hander Jeremy Guthrie’s contract in a bid to increase their payroll flexibility for 2014.

New second baseman Robinson Cano will be among 13 players scheduled to appear at Mariners FanFest on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 25-26, when the club begins gearing up for the 2014 season.

The White Sox and left fielder Dayan Viciedo agreed to terms Monday on a one-year, $2.8 million deal, avoiding arbitration.

Bobby Jenks has endured three back surgeries, including one that almost killed him, and beat an addiction to pain medication. The soon-to-be 33-year-old has been clean and sober for almost 18 months, and he feels his baseball career is unfinished.

Raise your hand if you think Billy Hamilton will be the best story of Spring Training. Who doesn’t love speed, especially game-changing, take-your-breath-away speed? That’s why we already love Billy Hamilton.