Braves make offer for Arizona's Upton  —  Eight weeks after signing B.J. Upton to the biggest free-agent contract in franchise history, the Braves are trying to land his brother, Arizona's Justin Upton, in a trade that could give them one of baseball's most dynamic outfields with a pair of Uptons and Jason Heyward.

Ex-Brewers OF Morgan to play for Japan team  —  YOKOHAMA, Japan — Free-agent outfielder Nyjer Morgan has signed with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Japan's Central League.  —  The team says the 32-year-old Morgan will join the BayStars on a one-year-deal worth $1.6 million.

Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain still waiting for Bombers' new third baseman Kevin Youkilis to return his welcoming phone call  —  Chamberlain had a longtime feud with Youkilis, who signed a one-year deal in December, while the infielder was on the Red Sox

The Indians are looking to add a hitter, have a few bucks to spend (but not too many bucks) and are considering a reunion with several former longtime Indians.  —  Jim Thome and Travis Hafner are two of the ex-Indians being considered, among other free agents.

Sources: Cubs, Hairston agree to deal  —  The Chicago Cubs, adding another veteran to their outfield, have reached agreement with free agent Scott Hairston on a two-year contract, according to major league sources.  —  Hairston, 32, figures to platoon with another free-agent signee, Nate Schierholtz, in right field.

Giants, Posey not rushing new deal  —  Good luck to the San Francisco Giants trying to figure out what catcher Buster Posey is worth long term.  —  It's not a stretch to imagine Posey replacing Derek Jeter as the game's standard-bearer.  Heck, the 25-year-old Posey already is more accomplished …

Delmon Young, and the potential tragicomedy called the 2013 Phillies  —  A baseball player, a lawyer and a rabbi walked into Ruben Amaro Jr.'s explanation for signing Delmon Young yesterday, and now a once-proud baseball team enters 2013 as a potential off-Broadway farce.

Marlins sign Kevin Slowey, Mitch Talbot to minor league deals  —  The Marlins have reeled in two more players hoping to resurrect their big league careers in pitchers Kevin Slowey and Mitch Talbot.  The two right-handers — neither of whom has pitched in the majors since 2011 …

Cooperstown mayor shrugs off 2013 concerns  —  Jeff Katz wants everyone to know that Cooperstown will be OK.  —  The mayor of the small village in upstate New York that houses the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum says not having a living inductee this summer, for the first time since 1965 …

Jonathan Herrera agrees to contract, avoids arbitration hearing with Rockies  —  Jonathan Herrera will be able to focus on making the team, not a potential arbitration hearing.  The Rockies agreed to a one-year, $900,000 deal with the infielder on Wednesday.