Dexter Fowler, who turns 27 in March, enters next season with the clout that comes with the type of season the Rockies have long expected from him.

Dexter Fowler, who turns 27 in March, enters next season with the clout that comes with the type of season the Rockies have long expected from him.

Finishing in last place prompted the Marlins to make major changes. The organization did just that on Monday, officially announcing its mega-trade with Toronto that was agreed upon last Tuesday night.

Finishing in last place prompted the Marlins to make major changes. The organization did just that on Monday, officially announcing its mega-trade with Toronto that was agreed upon last Tuesday night.

What the Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos has done even before the Winter Meetings next month is completely change the landscape of the rugged AL East and send a message to the Yankees, Rays, Orioles and Red Sox: Watch out for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2013.

On Monday, Cleveland announced that it has signed outfielders Matt Carson and Cedric Hunter to Minor League contracts. Both players also received non-roster invitations to attend Spring Training with the Major League club.

The Cubs and reliever Shawn Camp have agreed to a one-year, $1.35 million contract that includes another $200,000 in possible incentives, the team announced Monday.

The Cubs and reliever Shawn Camp have agreed to a one-year, $1.35 million contract that includes another $200,000 in possible incentives, the team announced Monday.

Japan will be forced to go for their third consecutive World Baseball Classic championship without stars Ichiro Suzuki and Hiroki Kuroda, who have decided to skip the tourney next spring.

While veteran third baseman Scott Rolen has yet to announce his intentions for 2013 — whether to retire, play for the Reds, or play for another team — Todd Frazier isn’t waiting around for the answer.

Of the many performances Randy Smith was pleased with during Arizona Fall League play, the work of Padres pitching prospects Kevin Quackenbush and Matt Stites rated awfully high.

The availability of multiple paths is what makes the Texas Rangers’ offseason so intriguing.

The availability of multiple paths is what makes the Texas Rangers’ offseason so intriguing.

The Toronto Blue Jays have given themselves a really nifty gift. It’s the kind of gift that can keep on giving — the gift of genuine contender status.

The Toronto Blue Jays have given themselves a really nifty gift. It’s the kind of gift that can keep on giving — the gift of genuine contender status.

Things are still pretty mellow and undefined as we head into the next baseball week. Then again, that doesn’t mean said things can’t get hairy in a heartbeat.

Things are still pretty mellow and undefined as we head into the next baseball week. Then again, that doesn’t mean said things can’t get hairy in a heartbeat.