In the midst of a complete roster makeover, the A's retained a familiar face on Tuesday, reportedly re-signing Coco Crisp to a two-year deal. The club has not confirmed the report.

Lefty Jo-Jo Reyes has agreed to a Minor League deal with the Pirates, a source confirmed to MLB.com. Terms of the deal were not immediately known, though Reyes is expected to participate in the Pirates' big league camp this spring.

What was once a lengthy list of free-agent closers has essentially dwindled down to two: Ryan Madson and Francisco Cordero. As far as the Reds are concerned financially, it's really only Cordero, because Madson is widely viewed as being above Cincinnati's price point.

Two noteworthy trades have helped to address some of the Padres' holes and have set the team up for 2012 and beyond in the eyes of those in the organization.

Michael McKenry is the favorite to win the job as backup catcher, but he has much to do on the offensive end, and has been working with Clint Hurdle this offseason.

The Rangers acquired infielder Brandon Snyder from the Orioles for cash considerations on Tuesday. Texas also re-signed left-handed-hitting first baseman Brad Nelson to a Minor League contract. He will be assigned to Minor League camp.

It is a rare privilege to vote on the candidates to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. But next year, this same wonderful exercise in baseball democracy will become home to a built-in dispute. Some of the biggest names associated simultaneously with the sport and with steroid use will become eligible for election to the Hall's class of 2013.

The A's parted with a piece of their outfield depth on Tuesday, trading Jai Miller to the Orioles for cash considerations.

The Nationals are in the Prince Fielder sweepstakes, according to a baseball source, and ownership recently visited with Fielder's agent, Scott Boras, in the nation's capital.

There were 27 names on the Baseball Writers' Association of America ballot for the Hall of Fame Class of 2012, and it is almost time to find out whether any of those names will go onto a plaque alongside that of the late Cubs legend, Ron Santo. The two-hour announcement show begins at 2 p.m. ET on Monday exclusively on MLB Network and MLB.com.

On Tuesday, Cleveland made its first transaction of 2012, inking right-hander Robinson Tejeda to a Minor League contract that includes a non-roster invitation to attend Spring Training with the Major League club.

Seeking middle-infield depth behind new starting shortstop Ruben Tejada, the Mets on Tuesday announced that they have signed Omar Quintanilla to a Minor League contract and invited him to Spring Training.

Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish and his father are in Arlington on Tuesday on what Rangers officials confirmed was nothing more than a "visit."

The healthy confidence Alex Rodriguez carried into Spring Training last year prompted at least one observer to wonder aloud if the Yankees third baseman was heading toward a reprise of his 2007 American League MVP Award campaign.

A significant number of Major League royalty went missing last season, and now hope to reign again, rewarded for months of rehab work in isolation.

Of the fewer than one hundred remaining free agents — counting those non-tendered contracts in mid-December — 13 are Scott Boras clients, including five who appear on everyone's best-of lists.

Four years after stepping down as general manager of the Twins, Terry Ryan as back at the helm as Minnesota attempts to bounce back from a disappointing 2011 season.