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 …

Epstein Says Cubs Intend To Compete In 2015  —  Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said today that he believes the club is prepared to compete in the NL Central next year, as MLB.com's Carrie Muskat reports.  “I think we've proved we can be very competitive in this division …

Dayton Moore's vision validated  —  Royals' GM had a plan for how to build a winning team in a small market  —  Sometimes the definition of leadership is sticking with a plan and putting one foot in front of the other when things aren't going well, your job security is being questioned …

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …