Cubs, already a big free-agent player, are targeting Russell Martin  —  The Cubs, already the leader in free agency after landing marquee manager Joe Maddon for a $25-million, five-year deal, are going to target top free agent catcher Russell Martin, sources connected to the team said.

Rockies' qualifying offer to Michael Cuddyer decreases Mets' interest in outfielder … Baseball  —  Ranking MLB's free agent position players

Yankees have no plans to pursue free agents Pablo Sandoval, Jon Lester or Max Scherzer  —  Instead, the Yankees are interested in bringing back two of their own, free agents Brandon McCarthy and Chase Headley, neither of whom was eligible to receive a qualifying offer after being traded to the Bronx this past July.

Maddon's departure from Rays to Cubs feels shady  —  This whole thing stinks to high heaven.  —  It smells rotten and it looks shady and it feels dirty.  —  No matter how you slice it, it all just feels wrong.  —  Joe Maddon is gone.  It's official now.  The Cubs introduced him as their manager Monday.

With Phillies' trade market open, clubs want Byrd in hand  —  The Phillies are willing to move any player on their roster, but their most popular target in early trade discussions might surprise you.  —  According to major-league sources, it's right fielder Marlon Byrd.

Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2015  —  As explained in this series of posts, Matt Swartz and MLB Trade Rumors have developed an accurate model to project arbitration salaries.  We've heard from many MLB teams and agencies that reference the projections in their work.

SportsWire Twins Twins have expressed interest in free agent Torii Hunter  —  Tuesday isn't just Election Day.  It's also the first official day of free agency in Major League Baseball and one player the Twins have already expressed interest in is outfielder Torii Hunter, per a source.

Angels, Cuba's Baldoquin come to terms on a deal  —  The Angels have made a big splash on the international market, agreeing to an $8 million signing bonus with Cuban middle infielder Roberto Baldoquin, the player told MLB.com.  —  The deal is pending a physical.  The club has not confirmed the agreement.

Sources: Nelson Cruz, a big bargain in 2014, is seeking four-year deal  —  Free-agent slugger Nelson Cruz turned out to be the biggest free-agent bargain in baseball when he hit an MLB-high 40 home runs after signing a one-year, $8 million deal with the Orioles.

COLORADO ROCKIES / MLB  —  ROCKIES NAME STEVE FOSTER AS PITCHING COACH, DARREN HOLMES AS BULLPEN COACH  —  The Denver Post  —  The Rockies are going outside the organization and back to their past to tackle their chronic pitching problems.  —  On Tuesday, the club named former Kansas …

Toronto sent first baseman to Milwaukee in exchange for righty Estrada  —  Milwaukee Brewers reporter Adam McCalvy discusses the Brewers' trade of Marco Estrada to the Blue Jays for first baseman Adam Lind  —  TORONTO — Adam Lind was expecting the call, but when Blue Jays general manager …

Deal includes club options for 2019 and '20  —  Indians manager Terry Francona shares his excitement over signing a contract extension that will keep him in Cleveland until at least 2018  —  CLEVELAND — The Indians brought Terry Francona to Cleveland to help reshape the culture both on the field and in the clubhouse.

Stanton, McGehee take home Players Choice Awards  —  Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton talks about winning the Players Choice Award for the 2014 National League Outstanding Player  —  MIAMI — Their peers have spoken, and a couple of Marlins have received prestigious Players Choice Awards.