Cubs have the cash to pursue a marquee pitcher  —  The Cubs believed they had enough money last winter to make an honest run at free-agent pitcher Masahiro Tanaka.  —  But with about $41 million off the books from this year's obligations — including the final $14 million installment …

Miami Marlins making moves in right direction  —  They won more games.  They scored more runs.  They even attracted more fans.  —  While the Marlins failed to make the playoffs for the 11th consecutive season — the third-longest postseason drought in the majors — they provided clear signs …

Sources: Yanks start work on Cashman deal  —  The New York Yankees have begun the process of constructing a new contract for longtime general manager Brian Cashman, sources close to the situation said.  —  Cashman's contract is set to expire on Oct. 31.  —  He just completed his 17th season …

Major League Baseball players will tour Japan for All-Star Series 2014  —  Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association jointly announced today that All-Stars and other accomplished Major Leaguers will travel to Japan this November to play a five-game series against …

After late-season stumble, Brewers look for fixes for '15  —  Brewers owner Mark Attanasio and GM Doug Melvin discuss the team's collapse and what they plan on doing to fix the team  —  MILWAUKEE — When the Brewers limped into the All-Star break with a 2-11 stretch, general manager Doug Melvin gathered his baseball men for a debate.

Why the Nationals will win it all  —  Turning to experts to predict why Washington will be lifting the trophy in October  —  Not to suggest that it's been a while since a team from Washington won a World Series.  But ...  The last time it happened — a mere 90 years ago …

O's lose many key players during season, but general manager answers every time  —  9/25/14: Steve Pearce takes David Robertson to deep left-center field for a solo home run, tying the game at 5 in the 9th inning  —  BALTIMORE — There are no more moves to be made, free agents to mull …

Sale, Ventura had heated argument last week  —  Chris Sale left the White Sox clubhouse before Thursday's game against the Royals for reasons the Sox described as “personal.”  —  What wasn't known at the time was that Sale and Ventura engaged in a heated shouting match just before Sale's exit.

Carlos Beltran has elbow surgery  —  NEW YORK — Carlos Beltran disappointed in his first season as a Yankee, but he did so playing with a bone spur in his right elbow that he knew all year would require surgery.  —  On Tuesday, Yankees team doctor Christopher Ahmad removed loose pieces …

Twins fire Ron Gardenhire  —  The Minnesota Twins have fired manager Ron Gardenhire after 13 seasons with the team.  —  The move was made Monday, ending the second-longest active tenure in the major leagues behind Mike Scioscia of the Angels.  —  The Twins finished Sunday with a 3- defeat …

Max Scherzer to start Game 1 for Tigers in ALDS  —  Max Scherzer will start Game 1 of the AL division series for Detroit on Thursday, headlining the Tigers' star-studded rotation for a second consecutive post-season.  —  Justin Verlander is slated for Game 2 at Baltimore, followed by David Price and Rick Porcello.