Time to make DH universal  —  New commissioner Rob Manfred will hear, and already has heard, plenty of suggestions on how to increase offense, and he has thrown out a few ideas himself.  —  And while Manfred probably doesn't have the backing of the National League, the old standby is always there: make the designated hitter universal.

Phenom Yoan Moncada not likely in Tigers' plans  —  Cuban star Yoan Moncada has been declared free to sign with big-league teams.  And wouldn't he fit nicely onto a Tigers roster that's looking for a speedy, switch-hitter with power, a big arm, and a slightly above-average glove at three infield positions?

Zack Greinke not sold on Dodgers' winter makeover  —  The Dodgers won 94 games last year, repeating as champion of the National League West.  They could open the season with a new second baseman, shortstop, catcher and center fielder, with newcomers in 40% of the starting rotation and 50% of the bullpen.

First baseman optimistic club can exceed expectations in 2015  —  Freddie Freeman discusses the changes to the Braves' roster in the offseason and looking forward to playing in 2015  —  ATLANTA — Given the close bond that Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward …

Players Avoiding Arbitration: Monday  —  As of Monday morning, 35 players had yet to come to an agreement with their team after exchanging arbitration figures (as can be seen in our Arb Tracker).  We'll keep track of the day's minor settlements here, with all projections coming via MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz...

Reds Sign Paul Maholm  —  The Reds have announced, via Twitter, they have signed left-hander Paul Maholm, which was first reported by CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman.  It is a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training, tweets C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Dan Duquette puts Toronto in past, focuses on Orioles  —  BALTIMORE (AP) — Dan Duquette's job description includes making trades that will help improve the Baltimore Orioles.  —  This offseason, Duquette was in the middle of a potential blockbuster deal.  —  Duquette, the Orioles president …

Yulieski, Lourdes Gourriel To Play In Japan  —  After playing in Japan in 2014, Cuban third baseman Yulieski Gourriel will return this year to the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, where he will be joined by his younger brother, 21-year-old shortstop Lourdes Gourriel.

As spring training nears, Rays hope to tweak roster  —  For most of the past three months, the Rays roster has been under massive renovation, with 15 players dropped from the 40-man roster and a half-dozen potentially key pieces brought in.  —  2 Months Ago 2 Months Ago 1 Month Ago

Yankees skipper Joe Girardi claims ‘good’ relationship with Alex Rodriguez  —  Girardi: ‘Alex and I have kept in touch through all of this, so our relationship is good.  My job is to get him ready.’  —  As the relationship between disgraced slugger Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees continues …

Foul Territory Blog  —  Rangers infielder Jurickson Profar continues to be pleased with his recovery from a shoulder injury that forced him to miss last season.  —  He's throwing from 75 feet this week and hopes to move to 90 feet the following week if he's feeling good.  So far, so good.

Broxton projected to close, but front office also seeking other veteran relievers  —  9/4/14: Making his Brewers debut, Jonathan Broxton gets Xavier Scruggs to go down swinging  —  MILWAUKEE — After the Brewers finalized a one-year pact with free-agent reliever Neal Cotts on Friday …