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.

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 …

Sources: Upton trade talks still on  —  Justin Upton for Chase Headley?  —  The Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres have held on-and-off discussions about a trade involving those players since July, but the talks have failed to progress, according to major-league sources.

Will ‘roid rage’ among baseball writers show up in vote?  —  On Wednesday, the Baseball Writers Association of America and the Hall of Fame will announce the results of the voting that decides which candidates will be enshrined in Cooperstown, N.Y., this year.

Indians step up to plate, but DH remains a need  —  CLEVELAND — The Indians are not done looking for ways to upgrade aspects of their roster.  After signing right-hander Brett Myers, though, the club appears to be done doling out substantial big league contracts to free agents.

2013 Chicago Cubs Top 10 Prospects … Optimism reigned when the Cubs gave their a front office a full makeover last offseason.  New president of baseball operations Theo Epstein, general manager Jed Hoyer and vice president of player development and scouting Jason McLeod had built two World Series champions with the Red Sox.

Dr. James Andrews says he never cleared Robert Griffin III to go back into game after injury … Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) reacts after getting injured during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at FedEx Field on Dec. 9.  (Photo: Evan Habeeb, USA TODAY Sports)

Unresolved questions linger for Yanks, Mets, free agents  —  To be honest, you probably could take an extended nap (like the one Carl Pavano took from 2005 through 2008) from now until the start of spring training, and you wouldn't miss a great deal in the baseball world.

Mo says knee ‘95 percent’ on way toward full health  —  Baseball's all-time saves leader conducts pitching clinic for Connecticut kids  —  Mariano Rivera addresses kids at a pitching clinic in Danbury, Conn., on Saturday.  (Bryan Hoch/MLB.com)  —  DANBURY, Conn. — To most of his audience …

Buster Posey's incredible arbitration case  —  Buster Posey hasn't played in two full seasons' worth of regular-season games yet — 308, to be exact.  But he's made the most of his time in the big leagues, winning a rookie of the year award, a batting title, a most valuable player award and two World Series titles with the Giants.

Still unsure of comeback, Vazquez eyes Nats  —  WASHINGTON — Right-hander Javier Vazquez said Saturday that he has not made a final decision about his future in the big leagues.  If he decides to make a comeback, he would consider playing for the Nationals even though their rotation is set.