The placard on the podium at the Tiger Club was the first sign of Mike Ilitch’s presence Monday, denoting the spot for the Tigers owner as right-handed pitcher Jordan Zimmermann was introduced.

Bobby Heck watched from afar while the Houston Astros became the talk of baseball this past summer.

It is a subject of much controversy in baseball, met with everything from curiosity and enthusiasm to skepticism and outrage.

Al Avila’s first offseason as Tigers general manager featured baseball’s first major signing off the deep free-agent starting-pitching market. Detroit announced Monday that it inked right-handed starter Jordan Zimmermann to a five-year contract and introduced him at an afternoon news conference.

The Marlins are swinging for the fences in their search for a hitting coach. Barry Bonds, MLB’s all-time home run leader, is under consideration to share coaching duties with Frank Menechino, according to a source.

The Braves are bringing Jim Johnson back to Atlanta with the hope that he will once again benefit from the opportunity to work with pitching coach Roger McDowell.

Seeking to bolster their catching depth behind Yadier Molina, the Cardinals signed free-agent catcher Brayan Pena to a two-year deal, the organization announced on Monday.

Shelby Miller spent this summer providing indication that he could serve as a strong frontline starting pitcher in Atlanta for many years to come. But his success simply made him a target of teams who have spent the past couple of weeks attempting to see if Braves general manager John Coppolella’s aggressive nature might lead him to deal his ace.

The Red Sox have reached an agreement with free agent Chris Young, a veteran outfielder who can mash left-handed pitching, a source told MLB.com on Monday. The club has not confirmed that a deal is in place.

Despite a pair of performance-enhancing drug suspensions that cost Jenrry Mejia nearly all of last season, the Mets will “likely” tender their former closer a contract for 2016, according to a source. The team has not commented on the decision.

Beat reporter Mark Bowman fields fans’ questions on topics relating to the Hot Stove season in the latest edition of Braves Inbox.

Tony LaCava has made a couple of additions to the Blue Jays’ pitching staff this offseason, but the club’s interim general manager might have to get creative if he wants to make another major move.

Alex Avila holds great memories from his seven years catching in Detroit, including significant contributions made to the Tigers reaching the postseason from 2011-14.

The Phillies on Monday claimed right-hander Michael Mariot off waivers from the Kansas City Royals.

Brian Goodwin ranked as the Nationals’ No. 2 prospect headed into the 2013 season, trailing only Anthony Rendon for top honors within the organization. Selected by the Nats with the No. 34 overall pick in the 2011 Draft,.

Here’s a look at some of the top rumors floating around the Hot Stove as of Sunday night.

The annual Winter Meetings begin next Monday in Nashville, Tenn. These meetings are where teams are supposed to do most of their improvements for next season. Many diehard baseball fans can’t stop looking at any baseball news to see if their favorite team has done something.