Left-hander excited to be in Chicago after rave reviews from Hammel, Samardzija  —  Cubs president of baseball ops Theo Epstein introduces new ace Jon Lester after agreeing to a six-year deal to bring the lefty to Chicago  —  CHICAGO — The Cubs formally introduced Jon Lester on Monday …

Marlins To Sign Michael Morse  —  12:28pm: Morse is expected to receive about $12MM in guaranteed money, MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reports on Twitter.  That would seem to be an attractive price tag, especially compared to the $25MM given by the White Sox to the older, albeit more durable …

State-of-the-art exhibit at Miller Park will pay tribute to retiring Commissioner  —  Brewers COO Rick Schlesinger and Bud Selig discuss plans to honor the retiring Commissioner with a special fan experience at Miller Park  —  MILWAUKEE — Allan H.  “Bud” Selig was going to be a history professor …

Yankees To Re-Sign Chris Capuano  —  The Yankees have agreed to a one-year deal with lefty Chris Capuano, Jack Curry of the YES Network reports (Twitter links).  Capuano receives a $5MM guarantee, per Curry.  ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick tweeted this morning that Capuano was nearing a deal with an unspecified big league club.

Padres, Brandon Morrow agree to one-year deal  —  The San Diego Padres have agreed to terms with free agent right-hander Brandon Morrow on a one-year deal, an industry source told Sportsnet.  —  Morrow will earn a base salary of $2.5 million plus incentives, according to Corey Brock of MLB.com, who first reported the deal.

White Sox Announce Deal With OF Melky Cabrera  —  CHICAGO — The new-look White Sox added another bat to their potent lineup on Tuesday, announcing a $42 million, three-year contract with free-agent outfielder Melky Cabrera.  —  The 30-year-old Cabrera will make $13 million next year …

Yankees and Alex Rodriguez set for more drama after Chase Headley signing  —  According to a person who has spoken to him ‘several times’ in recent months, A-Rod is determined to reclaim his old position in the infield and wants no part of being a full-time DH.

Royals To Sign Alex Rios  —  The Royals have agreed to a one-year, $11MM deal with outfielder Alex Rios, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports on Twitter.  Rios, a Boras Corporation client, joins Kendrys Morales as veteran additions to the defending American League champs.

Cox led efforts toward player development en route to 14 consecutive first-place finishes  —  With John Schuerholz in the front office and Bobby Cox in the dugout, the Braves built a long-term success story.  (AP)  —  When “Moneyball” was published, the “in” thing among Major League teams …

Souza, Taylor, Barrett, Treinen got a taste of Majors in 2014, set to take next step  —  9/26/14: Steven Souza Jr. blasts a solo home run to deep left-center off Andrew Heaney to give the Nationals a 4-2 lead in the 3rd inning  —  Two of the Nationals' youngest players already are two of their best …

Astros Sign Jed Lowrie To Three-Year Deal  —  The Astros announced that they have signed infielder Jed Lowrie to a three-year contract that runs through the 2018 season.  Lowrie's contract reportedly guarantee him $23MM: $8MM in 2015, $7.5MM in 2016 and $6.5MM in 2017 with a $6MM club option ($1MM buyout) for 2018.