The Marlins on Saturday pledged to fully cooperate with a U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission investigation of the financing of their new ballpark.

The "needle in a haystack" process that is the annual Rule 5 Draft takes place at the Winter Meetings on Thursday. Every so often a team finds an Johan Santana or a Josh Hamilton. Most of the time they don't.

FOX Sports served notice late Friday night that it wants to depose three key figures when its case against the Dodgers resumes next week, despite an order last week by a federal bankruptcy judge limiting witnesses to experts in broadcasting matters.

Less than 24 hours after being unveiled as the manager of the Red Sox, Bobby Valentine jetted to the Dominican Republic to meet with David Ortiz, who is a free agent.

Bill Geivett, the senior vice president of scouting and player development/assistant general manager of the Colorado Rockies, arrived in Houston on Friday morning to interview with the Astros for their vacant general manager position.

Reds first baseman Joey Votto realizes that it comes with the territory. The slugger's three-year, $38 million contract expires after the 2013 season and he can become a first-time free agent.

Frank White, a Royals Hall of Fame member, will not be back as the team's television broadcast analyst next season. The Royals and FOX Sports Kansas City announced on Friday that White, whose role in the TV booth grew to full-time status over the last three years, would not have his contract renewed.

Omar Minaya, former general manager of the Mets and Expos, was hired by the Padres on Friday to become the senior vice president of baseball operations.

The Cardinals completed their coaching staff on Friday, announcing that former big leaguer John Mabry has been hired as the team's assistant hitting coach.

As Hall of Famers go, Barry Larkin looks like one. That's because he is one, but not officially. Unofficially, Larkin has all the numbers to have something bronzed in Cooperstown right now.

New Cubs manager Dale Sveum is stocking his coaching staff with a slew of former Brewers, including his new pitching coach: Chris Bosio.

Twins general manager Terry Ryan held court with reporters on Friday about a wide range of topics heading into next week's Winter Meetings in Dallas. Ryan reiterated the club's interest in signing free-agent outfielder Michael Cuddyer.

The Rangers have hired former Astros general manager Tim Purpura as their farm director.

Reports are rampant that Heath Bell has agreed to a three-year deal with the Marlins. The team, however, is not commenting on the matter, although it is believed that the signing will become official perhaps Monday at the Winter Meetings in Dallas.

Darren Ford, a speedy outfielder who was used primarily as a pinch-runner by the Giants last season, has agreed to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League camp with the Mariners.

San Diego's Drew Cumberland was forced to sit out the 2011 campaign because of a rare neurological disorder, but the shortstop prospect expects to be back on the field in the near future.

Twins catcher Joe Mauer says he's completely recovered from the pneumonia that ended his disappointing 2011 season and has been working out in preparation for next year.