Jeremy Guthrie turned down big money out of high school to attend college, and in Taiwan on Friday, told students that his respect for learning made everything worth the wait.

Before looking too far into the future, Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest points out a high priority is tending to a couple of standouts already on the roster.

After a tight game Thursday, the MLB All-Stars jumped out early Friday and cruised to a 6-2 victory over the Chinese Taipei national team, notching their third win in as many games in Taiwan.

MLB could have the first pitcher to be named MVP in 19 years, the fourth pair of Cy Young and MVP winners to reside on the same team since 2002 and the first set of teammates to finish first and second in Rookie of the Year voting when BBWAA awards begin Nov. 14.

Pablo Sandoval is loving life these days. He's coming off an All-Star season, and now he's plying his trade as a key figure on the MLB All-Star team that's playing a five-game exhibition series against the Chinese Taipei national team while touring the island country of Taiwan.

The Major League free-agent market for starting pitching is relatively thin in top-tier talent. It does have depth in middle-to-back-of-the-rotation arms.

Stars past and present stood to honor some of baseball's great gentlemen on Thursday, as the MLB Players Alumni Association held its Legends for Youth Dinner and gave out its Alumni Achievement Awards.

Jim Kaat says that his appearance on the Veterans' Committee Ballot is his fairest shot at making the Hall of Fame, and he's hopeful that his long list of accomplishments will get him there.

Free-agent outfielder Grady Sizemore expects to be completely healthy by the start of Spring Training and is keeping his options open for 2012.

Justin Verlander, the 2011 Outstanding Pitcher in the American League and the 2011 Player of the Year Award, highlights a star-studded list of winners after the 2011 Players Choice Awards were announced on Thursday.

Rangers infielder Michael Young has been chosen as the 2011 winner of the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award, the Major League Baseball Players Association announced on Thursday night.

The D-backs agreed to terms with free-agent catcher Henry Blanco on Thursday for a contract for the 2012 season with a mutual option for '13.

Tigers ace Justin Verlander became the second pitcher to win MLB Player of the Year honors as voted on by his peers in the annual Players Choice balloting.

The Red Sox will next interview Mike Maddux and Sandy Alomar Jr. in the search to find former manager Terry Francona's successor.

The Cardinals actually have very few major items on their offseason shopping list. It's just that the biggest question in all of baseball this winter centers on St. Louis. Whether Albert Pujols stays or goes is the question, at Busch Stadium and around the league.

The Dodgers officially announced on Thursday the re-signing of free-agent outfielder Juan Rivera, who will receive a one-year deal plus a 2013 option for a guaranteed $4.5 million.

The Cubs will begin their managerial search by interviewing Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin, and they have also requested permission to speak with Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux.