The Twins are close to reaching an agreement with free-agent starting pitcher Jason Marquis, according to a FOXSports.com report.

Christmas appears to have come early for White Sox hurler John Danks, as multiple outlets reported Wednesday that Chicago and the lefty have struck a five-year contract extension worth $65 million.

With C.J. Wilson in the mix, the Angels sport one of baseball's best rotations. And now that Albert Pujols is on board, the lineup figures to be much improved, too. But do they have enough in the bullpen?

The Orioles are looking for the new voice of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, as the team announced on Wednesday that longtime public announcer David McGowan has stepped down because of a change in his availability.

The Royals have signed left-handed reliever Jose Mijares to a one-year deal worth $925,000. Mijares was non-tendered by the Twins after posting a 3-6 mark with a 3.16 ERA over 186 appearances since 2008.

The Cubs and Reds reportedly were working on a swap of left-handed pitchers Wednesday, with Chicago poised to send reliable reliever Sean Marshall to Cincinnati for a package that includes young starter Travis Wood and two prospects.

The Braves expressed interest in Adam Jones. But they did not offer both infielder Martin Prado and starter Jair Jurrjens in exchange for the Orioles' All-Star outfielder.

The Cubs will have new managers at five of their eight Minor League affiliates, including Triple-A Iowa, where Dave Bialas takes the helm after 10 seasons as the organization's Minor League field coordinator.

The Phillies were involved with three transactions on Wednesday, including the signing of two players to Minor League contracts.

The Padres acquired Minor League right-handed pitcher Ryan Kelly from the Rangers for catcher Luis Martinez on Wednesday.

The Nationals claimed third baseman Carlos Rivero off waivers from the Phillies on Wednesday.

Jim Thome is no longer with the Twins, but the celebrated slugger still wanted to show his appreciation to the organization with a special gesture on Tuesday.

It's always an interesting test when an organization promotes a player up a level, with everyone involved curious to see how that prospect responds to the challenge. It's clear the Cubs' No. 1 prospect, Brett Jackson, passed with flying colors.

The Tigers have spent part of their offseason looking at alternatives at leadoff hitter, but that doesn't mean they've given up on Austin Jackson as a hitter.

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine thinks that helping Carl Crawford bounce back is a "front-burner" issue for Boston and plans to visit the left fielder shortly after Jan. 1.

Trying to acquire A's left-hander Gio Gonzalez is the Nationals' top priority, according to a baseball source. The clubs are trying to work out a deal that would send four players to Oakland, and it is believed that Gonzalez will be traded soon.

Question of the Day: NL West's most improved?