TIME TO START LOOKING AT BEN ZOBRIST TRADE POSSIBILITIES — BECAUSE IT'S COMING  —  JP Morosi  —  Surprisingly, relatively little has been written or said about the possibility of a Ben Zobrist trade.  —  That should change soon.  —  There's a decent chance Zobrist will be traded between …

Orioles still interested in Padres' Seth Smith and Will Venable, sources say  —  The hot stove likely will be set on simmer and put on the back burner after today for the holidays.  The industry usually goes quiet in the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.

Orioles To Sign Delmon Young  —  The Orioles have agreed to a one-year, $2.25MM deal with free agent outfielder Delmon Young, Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com reports (links to Twitter).  Young can earn up to $750K more through incentives.  The deal is dependent upon a physical, which will not take place until the new year.

Braves Sign Jason Grilli  —  The Braves have struck a move to bolster their bullpen, adding right-hander Jason Grilli on a two-year deal with a third-year club option, the team announced Tuesday night.  Grilli, a client of player-turned-agent Gary Sheffield, will reportedly earn $8MM over the life of the contract.

Korean infielder has talent, power to help Pittsburgh make another playoff push  —  MLB.com analyst Jim Duquette discusses why the Pirates are interested in Korean shortstop Jung-ho Kang and whether the team can make a deal  —  When you've signed strong-armed neophytes from India and taught …

Blue Jays Claim Scott Barnes, Preston Guilmet  —  The Blue Jays announced that they have claimed left-hander Scott Barnes off waivers from the Rangers and right-hander Preston Guilmet from the Pirates.  SB Nation's Chris Cotillo first tweeted that Guilmet had been claimed by Toronto earlier this afternoon.

Twins Sign Tim Stauffer  —  The Twins announced that they have signed right-hander Tim Stauffer to a one-year, $2.2MM contract.  To make room on the 40-man roster, Eric Fryer has been outrighted to Triple-A. Additionally, Minnesota announced that Chris Parmelee, who had been designated …

Major League Baseball average salary rises above $3.8-million  —  Major League Baseball's average salary shot up to more than $3.8-million (U.S.) this year following the steepest rise since 2001, putting big-leaguers on track to top the $4-million barrier for the first time in 2015.

Veteran right-hander finalizes $24 million contract; ‘re-energized’ for another title run  —  MLB.com's Hot Stove looks at the Giants bringing back pitcher Jake Peavy on two-year deal  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Jake Peavy remembered the generosity that the Giants expressed toward him and his family when they acquired him.

Blue Jays are looking to trade for a closer  —  The Blue Jays are now prioritizing the ninth inning and are looking to trade for a closer (Heyman, Dec. 24).  —  Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon, Nationals RHP Tyler Clippard and Royals relievers Greg Holland and Wade Davis have all appeared …

Rumor Roundup: Marlins Not Really Interested In Having Exactly Three Outfielders On Their Roster by Chris Mosch  —  Marlins Not Really Interested In Having Exactly Three Outfielders On Their Roster  —  When it comes to formidable young outfield cores, there aren't too many that can top the one assembled in Miami.

IRS to auction Darryl Strawberry's deferred Mets salary  —  A minimum bid of $550,000 has been set for the Jan. 20 auction, which will offer a deferred compensation agreement of $1,279,000 that was part of Strawberry's 1985-90 contract with the Mets.  —  ST. LOUIS (AP) …

Who belongs in MLB Hall of Fame?  Daily News voters discuss intriguing names on 2015 ballot  —  Hall of Fame voters (Hall of Famer Bill Madden along with John Harper and Anthony McCarron) discuss this year's class, with a focus on those nominees with New York ties.

Cardinals Sign Jordan Walden To Two-Year Deal  —  7:35pm: Walden receives a $350K signing bonus before earning $2.5MM in 2015 and $3.5MM in 2016, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports tweets.  The $5.25MM club option comes with a $250K buyout.  —  12:07pm: The Cardinals have announced a two-year deal …