Instead of helping the Astros establish themselves during their rebuilding efforts, reliever Mark Melancon is headed to the rough-and-tumble AL East and baseball-mad Beantown.

When Brandon Belt set out to leave the country for the first time in his life, off to the Dominican Republic to play winter ball, he had two goals set in his mind. He wanted to finish his tumultuous season on a high note, and he wanted to be consistent — "consistently good," he said.

Japanese left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada, slowly and deliberately navigated through his opening statement in English on Thursday, a smooth delivery that earned him a bout of admiration from the assembled media and high praise from executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette.

After more than a decade-long hiatus, the Tigers' once-annual exhibition game against their Triple-A affiliate, the Toledo Mud Hens, is about to make a return.

In his quest to return to his rookie form, a renewed high level of confidence just might turn out to be the right prescription for Gordon Beckham's success in 2012 and beyond.

John Wathan voted for Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista as Player of the Year and Tigers ace Justin Verlander as Starting Pitcher of the Year — two of a record 19 categories the former Royals catcher and manager helped decide in the 10th annual Greatness in Baseball Yearly awards (GIBBYs), which are revealed in a two-hour show at 9 p.m. ET Friday exclusively on MLB.com and MLB Network.

With Josh Willingham now off the board, the Indians' search for offensive help continues. There could come a point when Cleveland decides its in-house options are better than the alternatives available on the market.

There were plenty of smiles Thursday as the Padres took part in the 25th Annual San Diego Armed Services YMCA's SuperParent Shopping Day, which allowed for junior enlisted families to pick two toys for each of their children.

In a Thursday afternoon conference call, Major League Baseball's 30 owners ratified a new five-year Basic Agreement that had been forged by the MLB Players Association and MLB last month. The union had passed the new deal two weeks ago.

It's been a week since Jeff Luhnow was introduced as the 12th general manager of the Astros, and everything has pretty much been a blur since.

The Marlins made a huge splash at the Winter Meetings, and the Braves and Nationals could compete for postseason berths, but the Phillies will remain the class of a loaded NL East in 2012.

Created as part of the new CBA, an International Talent Committee, headed by MLB VP Rob Manfred and MLBPA executive director Michael Weiner, will discuss such issues as the possible implementation of an International Draft.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers spoke out in support of the Brewers' Ryan Braun in an interview with ESPN Radio in Milwaukee on Thursday, lending support for Braun as allegations connected with a positive test for a banned substance play out.

As bitterly as the 2011 season ended for the Red Sox, GM Ben Cherington refuses to make knee-jerk reactions in response to one horrific month. In revamping his roster before Spring Training, Cherington is looking for subtlety over glamour.

Seeking additional bullpen help and potential rotation depth, the Mets announced Thursday that they have signed left-handed pitcher Chuck James to a Minor League contract and invited him to Spring Training.

Question of the Day: 2011's best moment?

The Nationals have been silent on whether or not they made a bid on Yu Darvish. The Nationals had until 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday to make a bid on the right-hander. A baseball source believes the Rangers and Blue Jays will have two of the largest bids.