Relievers Ryan Cook and Sean Doolittle signed autographs and took pictures with over 200 fourth- and fifth-grade students as part of the annual A’s Community Fund holiday party at the Oakland Zoo.

Braves general manager Frank Wren will continue to evaluate different opportunities to improve his club over the next few weeks and months. But as he looks at the current makeup of his roster, he believes he already has the makings of a pretty strong team.

Josh Hamilton showed up at the ESPN Zone in Downtown Disney on Saturday to greet the 500 Angels fans gathered outside and to address the media at the podium.

Rangers GM Jon Daniels has talked for months about giving his best young players — some of the best in baseball — more of a chance to play. Circumstances — not the circumstances he wished for — have given him a chance to do just that.

The Rangers have spent the winter futilely chasing some of the bigger free-agent names on the market, but one of their offseason goals was to upgrade the bullpen, and Josh Lindblom is a big part of that.

It’s no secret the Mariners are in pursuit of offense this offseason. What wasn’t certain was how hard they’d be willing to pursue high-priced slugger Josh Hamilton, but general manager Jack Zduriencik acknowledged Friday his club went after the former Rangers outfielder full bore and was disappointed in losing out to the division-rival Angels.

Sundays will have a throwback feel all season long at PNC Park in 2013.

Rick Hahn has work to do. The White Sox general manager has the goal of putting together a team capable of challenging the powerhouse that is the defending American League champions from Detroit.

The Royals, continuing to add veteran depth for what they hope will be a run at a division title, signed outfielder Xavier Nady to a 2013 Minor League contract on Friday.

Trevor Cahill, Brandon McCarthy share profession and friendship

Representatives from the MLB Prospect League are holding tryouts in Nicaragua, Colombia, Panama and Curacao to find prospects to attend the second annual MLB International Prospect Showcase next month.

Right-hander Anibal Sanchez has elected to re-sign with the Tigers, agreeing to a five-year deal Friday morning, according to a report from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.

Desiring to add a versatile right-handed hitting veteran player to the 2013 club, the Cardinals found a fit in Ty Wigginton, whom the club signed to a two-year contract on Friday.

Ichiro Suzuki and the Yankees are continuing to finalize the terms of a new contract that will keep the 39-year-old veteran in pinstripes next season.

The Angels stunningly agreed to terms on a five-year, $125 million contract with free-agent outfielder Josh Hamilton on Thursday, setting up a situation where general manager Jerry Dipoto can flip one of his cost-controlled outfielders for a somewhat-necessary starting pitcher.

A shouting match between a manager and umpire doesn’t always contain the dialogue fans envision. Umps must perfect the art of acting, because the slightest hint of a grin or laughter can reveal the true, immaterial content of the supposedly tempestuous talk.

A shouting match between a manager and umpire doesn’t always contain the dialogue fans envision. Umps must perfect the art of acting, because the slightest hint of a grin or laughter can reveal the true, immaterial content of the supposedly tempestuous talk.