The Marlins have certainly put together a cast of interesting characters, stemming from outspoken manager Ozzie Guillen all the way down the roster. As long as the players are committed to winning, left fielder Logan Morrison sees no potential personality conflicts.

The Nationals continue to be in the Prince Fielder sweepstakes, although the club is not willing to give the free-agent first baseman a 10-year deal like the one that first baseman Albert Pujols got from the Angels, according to a baseball source. It appears that the Nationals are, however, willing to give Fielder a no-trade clause.

Bobby Valentine has never managed Jason Varitek or Tim Wakefield, but he has enough respect for their track records that he has a hard time imagining what it would be like for either player to come to camp as a non-roster invitee.

The Royals have reached an agreement with third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff on a Minor League contract and an invitation to Major League camp.

At last, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine heard the sound of Carl Crawford's voice. "He seemed very determined," Valentine said. "He seemed very understanding of the fact that things got spinning a little fast for him last year in a new environment, and he seemed to be determined to correct that."

Agent Fernando Cuza confirmed that he met with Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington on Friday in Boston to discuss David Ortiz's contract situation.

At least by outward appearances, Boston doesn't appear shaken by the 1-2 punch of Yankees general manager Brian Cashman. New York is nearing completion on transactions that will bring talented righty starters Michael Pineda and Hiroki Kuroda on board.

Veteran shortstop Cesar Izturis will report to Maryvale Baseball Park as one of the Brewers' 13 (so far) non-roster invitees and, by far, the best chance to change that status before Opening Day.

Emilio Bonifacio, Edward Mujica, Anibal Sanchez and Juan Carlos Oviedo all filed for arbitration.

David Price and B.J. Upton are among five Rays headed to arbitration.

It was a festive atmosphere at the Peabody Opera House in downtown St. Louis on Friday night for Tony La Russa's "A Champ's Perspective" event, presented by Budweiser. La Russa, along with co-host Bob Costas, took fans through the entirety of the '11 season.

The Red Sox signed outfielder Ryan Sweeney to a one-year contract for 2012 to avoid salary arbitration, the club announced Friday night.

The Yankees showed patience in waiting out the free-agent and trade markets, and they were rewarded in a pair of moves on Friday that may have transformed their rotation.

Nationals pitchers Tyler Clippard, Gio Gonzalez, Tom Gorzelanny, John Lannan and Jordan Zimmermann, plus catcher Jesus Flores and outfielder Michael Morse filed for salary arbitration on Friday.

For baseball fanatics, there's nothing better to make the winter days pass than a bold, blockbuster trade like the one the Yankees and Mariners reportedly have executed — on Friday the 13th no less.

The Pirates and right-hander Chris Resop avoided salary arbitration and agreed to a one-year contract Friday night. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Seattle gains a core hitter and a strong pitching prospect to fit into the rotation. New York adds an impact starter with a very bright future and high ceiling. The risk for both clubs is low. The reward for both clubs is outstanding. This could be a transformational deal that will have fans of both clubs buzzing about for a long time.