The Angels made a crucial move to fortify their bullpen on Wednesday, signing Ryan Madson to a $3.5 million, incentive-laden contract and thus proving they aren’t going to be completely hampered by Zack Greinke’s lingering free agency.

Blue Jays prospect Anthony Alford was arrested on Wednesday afternoon and charged with aggravated assault for allegedly using a weapon in a threatening manner.

Blue Jays prospect Anthony Alford was arrested on Wednesday afternoon and charged with aggravated assault for allegedly using a weapon in a threatening manner.

With $89.95 million committed to 10 players and two-to-four arbitration eligible players in the offing, the White Sox payroll for 2013 is approaching the $100 million vicinity. But during a conference call on Thursday afternoon, general manager Rick Hahn said the White Sox are not financially strapped as they head to Nashville on Monday for this year’s Winter Meetings.

With $89.95 million committed to 10 players and two-to-four arbitration eligible players in the offing, the White Sox payroll for 2013 is approaching the $100 million vicinity. But during a conference call on Thursday afternoon, general manager Rick Hahn said the White Sox are not financially strapped as they head to Nashville on Monday for this year’s Winter Meetings.

Ten television games highlight the Padres’ Spring Training schedule, which was announced on Thursday. The Padres will open their 37-game slate with their annual charity game against the Mariners on Feb. 22.

Ten television games highlight the Padres’ Spring Training schedule, which was announced on Thursday. The Padres will open their 37-game slate with their annual charity game against the Mariners on Feb. 22.

Mark Buehrle is the proud owner of four dogs, including a pit bull named Slater. In many ways, the animals are an extension of the veteran left-hander’s household, but not all members of the Buehrle family will be welcome in the province of Ontario, as pitbulls have been banned in the region since 2005.

Mark Buehrle is the proud owner of four dogs, including a pit bull named Slater. In many ways, the animals are an extension of the veteran left-hander’s household, but not all members of the Buehrle family will be welcome in the province of Ontario, as pitbulls have been banned in the region since 2005.

David Courtney, a heralded public-address announcer for the Angels, Kings and Clippers in Southern California, has died, the Angels confirmed on Thursday.

David Courtney, a heralded public-address announcer for the Angels, Kings and Clippers in Southern California, has died, the Angels confirmed on Thursday.

Giancarlo Stanton’s name will likely come up at the Winter Meetings, but Miami has no intention of trading him, and may at some point consider a long-term deal.

Giancarlo Stanton’s name will likely come up at the Winter Meetings, but Miami has no intention of trading him, and may at some point consider a long-term deal.

Former All-Star pitcher Chan Ho Park, the Major Leagues’ first South Korean-born player and winningest Asian-born pitcher, announced his retirement on Thursday, the Yonhap News Agency reported.

There is no clear indication where Josh Hamilton and Zack Greinke will land but the Rangers remain possibilities for both as the Winter Meetings get ready to start on Monday in Nashville, Tenn.

Orioles center fielder Adam Jones took the time on Thursday afternoon to play Santa for Mary Malloy and Nichelle Henson, both single women raising multiple children on their own.

Josh Johnson knew his time with the Marlins was likely coming to an end. He just didn’t know it would it would happen so quickly.