The wait for the Hall of Fame goes on for Jack Morris, but with a lot more hope. And like his World Series duel with John Smoltz in 1991, it's going to come down to the end.

Barry Larkin will be the newest member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, joining the Class of 2012 as the sole member elected by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, it was announced on Monday.

The Blue Jays put the finishing touches on their bullpen Monday morning by officially signing left-hander Darren Oliver to a one-year contract.

Bernie Williams received 55 votes in his first crack at the Hall, appearing on 9.6 percent of ballots cast by members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA). He fell well shy of the 75 percent needed for induction. Don Mattingly received 102 votes (17.8 percent).

Over the years, as new ballparks have sprung up around the country, many have turned the excitement of a new ballpark into instant gratification, ringing in the new home on a high note. In the case of the Miami Marlins, we're looking at one of the biggest housewarming parties ever thrown.

Jeff Moorad is on the verge of completing his long-awaited purchase of the Padres, John Moores, the club's majority owner, told MLB.com.

In the first week of the new year, it was the same-old stand-by for Prince Fielder, the marquee name crackling on the Hot Stove. Could the second week bring more free-agent activity?

Aaron Cook, the starting pitcher the Red Sox defeated in the decisive win of the 2007 World Series, has agreed to join Boston on a Minor League deal, according to multiple reports Sunday night.

At MLB.com, we have 15 veteran writers who have earned the privilege to vote, and again they're sharing their ballots with you.

Second baseman Johnny Giavotella will be arriving for the Royals Awards Luncheon on Wednesday with some good news about his surgically-repaired right hip.

At this point, it's been a strange winter, with New York, Chicago, Philadelphia and Boston not in the free-agent mix.

If Jack Morris' 13th year on the ballot isn't the one that puts him into the Hall of Fame, he's at least hoping for a boost in the voting to help get him over the hump in the next two years.

The Blue Jays' Winter Tour officially began Saturday at Rogers Centre with a baseball camp for 200 children. It now heads to Ottawa before making stops in Montreal, Quebec; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and St. John's, Newfoundland.

Andrew Bailey declined to make a joke about throwing strikes, even as the new Red Sox closer stood in a bowling alley. Turns out, he's not much of a bowler.

The Angels signed second baseman Howard Kendrick to a four-year contract extension on Saturday night, an industry source confirmed. The deal, which USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported to be worth $33.5 million, won't be official until Kendrick undergoes a physical on Monday.

The Brewers will know before the start of Spring Training whether Ryan Braun will be their left fielder on Opening Day, according to a report.

Jorge Posada, who won five World Series rings with the Yankees and promises to be an interesting case for baseball's Hall of Fame, intends to announce his retirement in the near future.