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 …

George Shuba Dies at 89; Offered Tolerant Gesture  —  George Shuba, the Brooklyn Dodgers outfielder who played in three World Series during the 1950s but who was best remembered for his welcoming gesture to Jackie Robinson at home plate on the day Robinson, as a minor leaguer …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

Twins Fire Gardenhire After 13 Seasons As Manager  —  The Minnesota Twins have fired Ron Gardenhire—the second-longest tenured manager in the major leagues behind the Angels' Mike Scioscia—after 13 seasons.  —  Gardenhire had managed the team since 2002, followed Tom Kelly's resignation after the 2001 season.