The Red Sox’s interest in bringing back outfielder Ryan Sweeney well may have been bolstered by Ryan Kalish’s surgery news, but the Sox had interest in Sweeney beforehand.

Two of the top prospects in baseball will get their first taste of big league Spring Training when the Marlins open camp on Feb. 12. The Marlins on Monday announced that outfielder Christian Yelich and right-hander Jose Fernandez are among 31 non-roster invitees who will be attending Spring Training.

Two of the top prospects in baseball will get their first taste of big league Spring Training when the Marlins open camp on Feb. 12. The Marlins on Monday announced that outfielder Christian Yelich and right-hander Jose Fernandez are among 31 non-roster invitees who will be attending Spring Training.

Although they didn’t plan to sign any of their arbitration-eligible players for more than one year, the Rockies agreed to a two-year deal with right-handed pitcher Jhoulys Chacin and would be willing to consider a multiyear contract with outfielder Dexter Fowler.

Although they didn’t plan to sign any of their arbitration-eligible players for more than one year, the Rockies agreed to a two-year deal with right-handed pitcher Jhoulys Chacin and would be willing to consider a multiyear contract with outfielder Dexter Fowler.

The Padres came to terms with one of their three remaining arbitration-eligible players on Monday, reaching a one-year deal with reliever Luke Gregerson for $3.2 million.

Brandon Backe admitted it took him some time to come to terms with the fact injuries cut short his career in his early 30s, but the former Astros starting pitcher, who had a flair for coming through in the clutch, has transitioned quite well into life after baseball.

The D-backs are being second-guessed for trading away Justin Upton, but general manager Kevin Towers knows what he’s doing. He has never had anything close to the most resources, but has kept his teams in contention. He has also understood that roster building is more an art than a science and that how the people fit is almost as important as how the numbers fit.

On Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET, MLB.com’s 2013 Top 100 Prospects list will be revealed on MLB.com and MLB Network, and you’re invited to interact with several of the players on the list as they live tweet the unveiling, moderated by MLBPipeline.com (@MLBPipeline), using the hashtag #MLBPipeline.

Seeking a veteran middle infielder to provide depth and insurance behind shortstop Rafael Furcal, the Cardinals, after sifting through a thin free-agent market, have signed Ronny Cedeno to a one-year deal.

For all the talk about new additions and increased veteran leadership, the biggest improvement for the 2013 Mariners might well lie with the progress of their returning youngsters. And tops on that list figures to be Jesus Montero, the 23-year-old catcher who received mixed reviews in his rookie season last year.

The Tigers, fresh off an American League title and hopeful of another World Series opportunity, have about as firm an Opening Day outlook as a club can hope for two weeks before Spring Training camp. All that’s missing is a proven closer, though flame-throwing rookie Bruce Rondon could fill that role.

On a Major League club with a high payroll and World Series expectations, it’s only natural for a farm system’s ranking to descend over time. But you don’t expect a flat-out free fall. That, essentially, is what has happened to the Angels over the last eight years.

Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter worked out on a baseball field on Monday for the first time since breaking his left ankle in the 2012 American League Championship Series.

Jose Ceda, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, is throwing without restrictions, and he could factor into the bullpen equation.

The Phillies announced Monday they have signed infielder Yuniesky Betancourt to a Minor League contract. The deal includes an invitation to big league camp in Clearwater, Fla.

The Rays have agreed to a one-year contract with second baseman Kelly Johnson, according to a report by FoxSports.com.