The Cardinals wrapped up their first round of managerial interviews on Wednesday with two men who are used to being rivals — Ryne Sandberg and Jose Oquendo.

The Sox have not yet announced how they're re-organizing their front office following Theo Epstein's departure for Chicago, but Cherington confirmed on Wednesday that the club has brought on former Royals pitching coach Bob McClure in a hybrid scouting-advisory role. And then there's the lingering issue of just what compensation Boston will receive for letting Epstein out of his contract to join the Cubs.

It seems like only yesterday that the first Umpire Camp was held at Major League Baseball's first Urban Youth Academy. But in reality, the annual training ground for future umpires is now in its sixth year — and this year's crop is getting instruction from some of the most experienced at their craft.

Less than five years removed from his last Major League game, Sandy Alomar Jr., who interviewed with the Red Sox on Wednesday, feels he is ready to sink his teeth into managing.

The Rockies' search for an innings-eater at the top of their rotation could lead them to pursue free-agent right-hander Roy Oswalt, who exceeded 200 frames in seven out of nine seasons before dealing with back issues while pitching for the Phillies.

Not yet a full week into free agency, the road for David Ortiz's return to the Red Sox is easier to see than Jonathan Papelbon's.

The sting of September is still there, just lingering. And in a way, that's exactly how Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez wants it. That way, something good can come out of it.

The Padres tapped into their past on Wednesday, when they unveiled their updated uniforms and new logos at PETCO Park. And from the looks of it, trendy has nothing on tradition.

With Alex Gonzalez on the free-agent market and in line to gain a multiyear contract, Frank Wren has spent that past few weeks evaluating the free-agent and trade markets in search of who might serve as his new shortstop next year.

After wooing free-agent shortstop Jose Reyes in Miami on Wednesday, Marlins president David Samson called him a priority.

Lack of depth among relievers hurt the Tigers against the Rangers in the American League Championship Series, but don't look for Detroit to do much tinkering in its bullpen this offseason.

Mike Maddux did his homework before interviewing for the Cubs job by talking to his brother, Greg, who could possibly join his older sibling's coaching staff if he was hired to manage the team.

The virtually annual pursuit for the No. 5 spot in a ballclub's starting rotation often receives too much attention. With the Giants, the competition is worth the hype.

The Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association honored Al Alburquerque on Wednesday with the Tigers Rookie of the Year Award, recognizing the right-handed reliever for a dominant summer.

The D-backs have agreed to terms with infielder/outfielder Willie Bloomquist on a two-year contract, general manager Kevin Towers announced on Wednesday.

In Chicago, Jesse Crain became one of the true bright spots in an underachieving season for the White Sox. Crain attributes part of his strong showing from start to finish to the team staying steady in his designated job responsibility after bringing him in.

The A's quietly moved forward in their quest for a new stadium in San Jose this week, as the San Jose City Council agreed to give the team a land-purchase option.