Jays exercise 2015 option on Lind, decline Santos  —  The Toronto Blue Jays have exercised their 2015 option for first baseman and designated hitter Adam Lind, an industry source told Sportsnet's Shi Davidi.  —  Lind batted .321 with six home runs and 40 RBI over 96 games in an injury-shortened 2014 season …

Chicago Cubs hire former Rays manager Joe Maddon  —  Joe Maddon's exodus from Tampa Bay to Chicago became official Friday, as the Cubs, after firing Rick Renteria, announced plans to introduce Maddon on Monday as their next manager.  —  But there are still some messy details …

Arizona Diamondbacks scouting director Ray Montgomery leaves team  —  The Diamondbacks' front office shakeup continued Friday with the departure of well-regarded scouting director Ray Montgomery, who left the organization to accept a high-ranking position with the Milwaukee Brewers, according to multiple baseball sources.

SportsWire Twins Paul Molitor expected to be named Twins manager next week  —  The search appears to be over.  —  All indications are that Paul Molitor will be named the Twins manager next week.  Patrick Reusse reported the news during Saturday Morning SportsTalk on 1500 ESPN.

Longest-tenured GM follows proven strategy  —  Giants GM Brian Sabean explains why the organization has had such great success after capturing its third title in five seasons  —  Shortly after Brian Sabean became general manager of the Giants, he orchestrated a trade that was arguably one of the most unpopular in franchise history.

Royals manager calls procedure ‘absolutely nothing to worry about’  —  10/30/14: Ned Yost reflects on the Royals' memorable 2014 season, despite falling short of the team's goal of a World Series championship  —  KANSAS CITY — Royals manager Ned Yost delayed his return home to Georgia …

Why the Dodgers should hang on to Andre Ethier  —  Here's an idea sure not to warm the cockles of most Dodgers fans' hearts:  —  Don't trade Andre Ethier.  —  Don't trade Carl Crawford or Matt Kemp or Yasiel Puig.  Keep 'em all.  So what if they don't make for one big happy family?

Yankees hire Eric Chavez as a special assignment scout  —  The Yankees have hired longtime star third baseman Eric Chavez as a special assignment scout.  —  Chavez, the former A's, Yankees and Diamondbacks player who retired this year, has said all along he wants to remain in the game.

Sources: Angels likely to shake up infield to address pitching needs  —  Expect a different look in the Angels' infield next season.  —  The team is likely to trade either second baseman Howie Kendrick or third baseman David Freese to address other needs, according to major-league sources.

Indians exercise $3.5M option on IF Aviles  —  CLEVELAND — The Indians have exercised their $3.5 million option for next season on versatile infielder Mike Aviles.  —  In his second season with Cleveland, the 33-year-old Aviles batted .247 with 16 doubles, five homers and 39 RBIs in 113 games.