Kevin Towers is looking to upgrade two Major League positions or add a No. 1 pitcher in any deal for Justin Upton, so the D-backs general manager expects a potential trade to take time to develop.

Adrian Gonzalez not only has been a perfect fit on the field for the Dodgers, who needed more offense at first base, but he might be an even better fit promoting them off the field.

Ray Burris will be the new pitching coach at Triple-A Lehigh Valley and Class A Williamsport manager Andy Tracy has been elevated to Minor League hitting coordinator, general manager Ruben Amaro said on Thursday.

Tino Martinez, a four-time World Series winner while with the Yankees, has been named Miami’s hitting coach.

After completing a season that included rehabbing from both Tommy John surgery and an open ankle dislocation, an injury sustained in a preseason trampoline mishap, Joba Chamberlain hopes he will be able to contribute with much less drama next year.

Walt Weiss, the new manager of the Colorado Rockies, had a big league playing career that began and ended by playing for future Hall of Fame managers Tony La Russa and Bobby Cox.

In his first year as executive vice president of baseball operations with the Orioles, Dan Duquette engineered one of the best turnarounds of the season. The task now at hand is repeating it.

The Astros released their 2013 Spring Training schedule Thursday, with the club’s spring opener coming Feb. 23 against the Phillies in Clearwater, Fla.

Barring any additions to the roster — and Yasmani Grandal’s suspension won’t likely mean the team will add a catcher this winter — the Padres will go into the 2013 season with John Baker and Nick Hundley as their catchers.

The General Managers Meetings are upon Mets GM Sandy Alderson, with Thanksgiving and the Winter Meetings to follow. And still, nothing appears close with David Wright or R.A. Dickey. But do not assume the worst, Alderson said Thursday.

The Indians signed infielder Luis Hernandez and re-signed pitcher Hector Rondon to Minor League contracts. Both were invited to Spring Training.

The Rangers have acquired left-handed reliever Tommy Hottovy from the Royals for a player to be named and cash considerations.

They all poured themselves back into their jobs long before they gathered this week at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells for the annual General Managers Meetings. But as they prepare for 2013, there’s still some coming to grips with 2012.

The Blue Jays on Thursday signed free-agent infielder Maicer Izturis to a three-year contract and acquired right-hander Jeremy Jeffress from the Royals for cash considerations.

Baltimore is ready to lend the victims of Hurricane Sandy a helping hand. The Orioles announced Thursday that they have partnered with Von Paris Moving and Storage to aid the victims of Hurricane Sandy, and they’re inviting fans to pitch in and join the effort.

Did Melky Cabrera make a serious mistake? Of course. But he will have a market, likely for a year as he re-establishes himself at the age of 28, likely laden with ifs, ands and buts as well as incentives.

A’s vice president and general manager Billy Beane has been named Executive of the Year in Major League Baseball for the 2012 season by the Sporting News.