The D-backs' infield picture became much clearer as they reached agreement with second baseman Aaron Hill on a two-year contract, Kevin Towers, the team's general manager, confirmed on Monday.

Adding to the list of awards and honors received over the past few weeks, Kimbrel was named the National League Rookie of the Year Award winner on Monday. The 23-year-old was a unanimous selection, receiving all 32 first-place votes, and finished ahead of Braves teammate Freddie Freeman on the ballot.

Authorities in Venezuela have arrested five additional suspects connected with last week's kidnapping of Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos, CNN reported on Monday afternoon.

Allen Thomas, the White Sox director of conditioning, has set forth his individualized offseason workout plans for the players, including Jake Peavy, Adam Dunn and Chris Sale, and will be traveling to work one-on-one with several.

White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski's ability to stay on the field to catch at least 1,000 innings over each of the past 10 seasons is a direct result of his dedication to his offseason training regimen.

The Detroit Baseball Society has honored Tigers utility man Don Kelly with its inaugural Tenth Man Award. The only positions Kelly did not play during the 2011 season were second base and shortstop.

Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer finished third, behind Tampa Bay's Jeremy Hellickson and Los Angeles' Mark Trumbo, in AL Rookie of the Year voting.

Managing in the big leagues is hard enough. Doing so on a team that just won the World Series and was under the direction of the Hall of Fame-bound Tony La Russa for the last 16 years is even tougher. Doing that when you've never even coached in pro ball is astronomically difficult.

Jeremy Hellickson began the 2011 season with a tender right hamstring and lofty expectations. The right-hander overcame both to perform with excellence, and on Monday afternoon, Hellickson won the American League Rookie of the Year Award.

When the Reds declined the $12 million club option on Francisco Cordero, it gave the veteran closer a chance to explore the free-agent market. Of course, it meant that Cincinnati could do likewise.

The Dodgers reached a preliminary agreement on a two-year, $8.75 million deal with free-agent infielder Mark Ellis to be their starting second baseman, according to a baseball source.

The Nationals head to the General Managers Meetings in Milwaukee with three main goals in mind: Add a No. 1 pitcher to the rotation; get a leadoff hitter/center fielder; and improve the bench.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel and Rays starter Jeremy Hellickson were named the National and American League Rookies of the Year on Monday. Kimbrel, who saved a rookie-record 46 games, was a unanimous selection.

The Cubs have named Shiraz Rehman as the club's assistant to the general manager.

The Tigers are sticking with Delmon Young for his contract year. Team president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said as much to MLB Network Radio.

Ivan Nova went 16-4 with a 3.70 ERA for the Yankees to earn consideration for the American League Rookie of the Year Award, which ultimately went to Tampa Bay's Jeremy Hellickson.

J.P. Arencibia arrived at the Major League level with the reputation of being a blossoming offensive talent. The 25-year-old catcher was known more for his performance in the batter's box than his work behind the plate, but it was a notion he set out to change in 2011.