The Cubs have a new right fielder as general manager Jed Hoyer made his first on-field transaction Wednesday, signing David DeJesus to a two-year contract with an option for a third year.

The Astros' move to the American League in 2013 will necessitate year-round Interleague Play, but it is unlikely to result in more games between the leagues.

Barry Larkin and Jack Morris, who finished third and fourth in the latest Hall of Fame balloting, will need double-digit boosts in the polls to earn a trip to Cooperstown in 2012. The writers' ballot was released on Wednesday.

I never would have thought in my wildest dreams that at the ripe old age of 14 I would have my dream job. But thanks to Commissioner Bud Selig and everyone at Major League Baseball, I do.

The first Competitive Balance Lottery will take place in July, after the 2012 Draft signing deadline has passed. The 10 smallest-market teams and the 10 lowest-revenue teams will be placed in the lottery to have a chance to win one of six extra picks in 2013.

If they are focused on what really counts — winning — then, left as partners, two very smart people can and will work together very well. Because they are both so smart and so very different and need to win, Ben Cherington and Bobby Valentine can make 2012 really interesting.

Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts saw what Theo Epstein accomplished as Red Sox general manager and is counting on Chicago's new president of baseball operations to bring some of the success to the North Side.

MLB.com columnist Terence Moore understands why baseball expanded its playoff system by giving each league two Wild Card teams instead of one, he just doesn't like it. But he knows traditionalists like himself will learn to appreciate it.

A few days before going to the Winter Meetings, the Nationals are searching for a center fielder, with GM Mike Rizzo in the Dominican Republic scouting Cuban slugger Yoenis Cespedes.

There was one thing that Bruce Chen's beaming face conveyed on Tuesday as he talked with reporters at Kauffman Stadium. He was extremely happy to be back with the Royals.

After several weeks of searching for their next manager, the Red Sox appear poised to hire Bobby Valentine to fill that position.

The Giants executed a pair of long-anticipated moves Tuesday by extending the contracts of general manager Brian Sabean and manager Bruce Bochy through 2013 with club options for 2014.

In September, Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said he had a hard time imagining Carlos Zambrano returning to the team. But Theo Epstein, the Cubs' president of baseball operations, is giving Zambrano an opportunity to earn his way back. Ricketts said Tuesday he will defer to Epstein.

The Rangers announced that they have hired Greg Maddux as a special assistant to general manager Jon Daniels. Maddux is the brother of Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux.

In very much 21st-century fashion, Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips hinted Tuesday night that he and the club are closer to a long-term contract extension, though GM Walt Jocketty said the two sides have 'a ways to go.'

The Royals added depth and experience to their young bullpen on Tuesday by signing two-time All-Star closer Jonathan Broxton, a free-agent right-hander, to a one-year contract. Broxton will set up closer Joakim Soria.

The White Sox held a forum at U.S. Cellular Field in November to acknowledge the impact Hall of Fame hopefully Minnie Minoso had on the organization and the baseball world.