The Cubs named former Minor League outfielder Anthony Iapoce a special assistant to the general manager/player development.
Schafer claimed by Braves as Astros make moves
Outfielder Jordan Schafer was placed on outright waivers and claimed by Atlanta, his former club, putting the Astros’ 40-man roster at 36.
Rondon could fill bill as Tigers’ new closer
If the Tigers’ bullpen comes together the way president/general manager Dave Dombrowski envisions it, this week’s conference will be the one where Bruce Rondon hit the Major League radar — figuratively, at least.
Phillies tab Brundage as manager at Triple-A
The Phillies have hired Dave Brundage as Triple-A Lehigh Valley manager and former Phillies bullpen coach Ramon Henderson as a coach, likely for one of the lower-level teams.
Braves hire Bialas as Minors field coordinator
The Braves on Thursday announced the hiring of Dave Bialas to serve as their Minor League field coordinator. Bialas will fill the role that was vacated when Dave Trembley took advantage of a chance to return to the Major League level as a member of the Astros’ coaching staff.
Braves bring back Schafer with waiver claim
The Braves announced Thursday afternoon that they have claimed Jordan Schafer off waivers from the Astros.
Scutaro the MVP of free-agent second basemen, too
As teams around baseball scour the free-agent market for second basemen, the duo of Marco Scutaro and Freddy Sanchez could demand top dollar in a not-so deep free-agent market at their position.
Flowers eager to be everyday catcher for Sox
With all due respect intended, Tyler Flowers hopes free agent A.J. Pierzynski does not come back to the White Sox.
Ten finalists named on HOF Pre-Integration Ballot
Ten candidates are on the Pre-Integration Era ballot as part of the potential Hall of Fame Class of 2013. Jacob Ruppert, the Yankees’ owner who made the team legendary, is among the three executives up for election, with six players and one umpire in the mix as well.
F. Rodriguez charged with domestic abuse
Free agent reliever Francisco Rodriguez was charged with one count of domestic abuse in a suburban Milwaukee courtroom Wednesday, the result of an alleged scuffle with his fiancée in September.
New skipper Redmond was always meant for this role
People always saw former catcher Mike Redmond as a future manager, and he will get a chance to fulfill that prediction as he takes over the Marlins’ managing duties in 2013.
For D-backs’ Hill, big year a sign of being relaxed
It is quite possible that at some point this offseason, D-backs GM Kevin Towers will reach out to Aaron Hill’s representatives about a contract extension. If that’s the case, expect the second baseman to be all ears.
Pettis, Anderson swap coaching positions
The Rangers have made one additional change to their coaching staff, moving Gary Pettis over to be the third-base coach. Dave Anderson, who had that job for the past four seasons, will take over for Pettis at first base.
Rox to expand talks with Giambi, Weiss, Williams
Over the next few days, Jason Giambi, Walt Weiss and Matt Williams — candidates for the Rockies’ managerial job that Jim Tracy resigned on Oct. 7 — will be at Coors Field to meet face-to-face with top club officials.
Dodgers hire Engle as VP of international scouting
The Dodgers hired Bob Engle as vice president of international scouting on Thursday, another sign of the franchise’s determination to return to prominence outside North America.
Royals promote Groopman, Williams
Royals general manager Dayton Moore announced the promotion of Mike Groopman to director of baseball analytics and John Williams to assistant director of baseball analytics on Thursday.
Cardinals mourn longtime organist Hays
The Cardinals’ organization is mourning the loss of Ernie Hays, a longtime Busch Stadium organist who passed away on Wednesday night. Hays was 77.