Blue Jays, Brewers Swap Adam Lind, Marco Estrada  —  The Brewers have acquired 1B/OF Adam Lind from the Blue Jays, Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish tweets.  SportsNet.ca's Ben Nicholson-Smith initially reported the two sides were close to a deal.  The Jays will receive righty Marco Estrada in return …

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 …

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.

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.

Butler has 2015 option declined by Royals  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Royals have declined their option for next season on Billy Butler, making the former All-Star designated hitter a free agent for the first time in his eight-year career.  —  The Royals elected to pay Butler …

Club loses Dirks, McCoy to waiver claims; Iglesias reinstated from 60-day DL  —  10/2/14: Max Scherzer pitches 7 1/3 innings, allowing five runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out six in Game 1 of the ALDS  —  DETROIT — The Tigers announced qualifying offers to free agents Max Scherzer …

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.

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?