Marlins not shopping Stanton, and my HOF ballot  —  Sorry about the absence, but used some vacation time, covered the Sugar Bowl, and watched with detached amusement as the Giancarlo Stanton trade rumors swirled about.  The Marlins are not shopping Stanton.  They are not dangling him like the carrot at the end of a stick.

Brewers Designate Arcenio Leon For Assignment  —  The Brewers announced that they have designated right-hander Arcenio Leon for assignment in order to make roster space for the recently signed Mike Gonzalez.  —  Milwaukee claimed the 26-year-old Leon on waivers from the Astros back in November.

A Notre Dame-Alabama TV primer; Bobby Valentine gets a talk show  —  Brian Kelly wants Notre Dame's first title since 1988; Nick Saban wants 'Bama's third title in four years.  —  When Notre Dame and Alabama kickoff on Monday night in Miami shortly after 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN executives …

Red Sox Hopeful They Can Complete Napoli Deal  —  It's been more than a month since the Red Sox and Mike Napoli initially reached an agreement on a three-year, $39MM contract, but that deal has yet to be finalized.  The Boston Globe's Peter Abraham writes that the Red Sox are still working …

Gerut on mission to protect players' finances  —  Former Major Leaguer turned agent focused on preventing money woes  —  Jody Gerut learned to invest his Major League earnings wisely and now wants to help other players.  (Matt York/AP)  —  There was a time when Jody Gerut …

Planning underway for Darvish museum  —  Texas Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish is only 26 years old, but he apparently has accomplished enough in that short time to be immortalized in his homeland ofJapan.  —  According to Japanese media reports, planning is underway for a Darvish museum …

Jose Lopez signs with Yomiuri Giants  —  TOKYO — Former All-Star infielder Jose Lopez is headed to Japan.  —  He has signed with the Yomiuri Giants of the Central League, the country's most popular team and winner of the 2012 Japan Series.  According to Nikkan Sports, he agreed to a one-year deal worth $911,000.

Rebuilding The Brewers' Bullpen  —  No bullpen took more losses (33) or blew more saves (29) than the Brewers' relief unit last season.  A total of 18 different relievers pitched to a combined 4.66 ERA, the worst mark in the big leagues.  Unsurprisingly, GM Doug Melvin set out to remake …

GM: Derek Jeter still on target  —  Derek Jeter has yet to swing a bat, field a ball or run on dry land since suffering a broken ankle in the 12th inning of Game 1 of the AL Championship Series last October.  —  Still, the New York Yankees insist their 38-year-old captain will be ready …