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?

Rockies To Sign John Axford To Minor League Deal  —  2:53pm: MLB.com's Thomas Harding reports that if Axford makes the Major League roster, he will earn a $2.6MM base salary (Twitter link).  That's a fairly significant base salary for a minor league deal and likely explains why Axford was willing to take a non-guaranteed contract.

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 …

Mets Press Releases  —  Due to overwhelming demand, the New York Mets and Live Nation have announced that the Foo Fighters will perform a second show at Citi Field, Wednesday, July 15.  Tickets will go on sale at Mets.com/FooFighters and by phone at (718) 507-TIXX this Friday, January 30 at 10:00 a.m.

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...

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.

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.

Marlins slugger suffered facial fractures after being hit by a pitch in September  —  MLB Network Insider Peter Gammons checks in on Giancarlo Stanton, who is preparing for his toughest battle as a big leaguer  —  MIAMI — Physically and mentally, Giancarlo Stanton is ready …

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.

Nationals Designate Eric Fornataro For Assignment  —  The Nationals announced that they have designated right-hander Eric Fornataro for assignment in order to clear room on the 40-man roster for Casey Janssen, whose one-year deal is now official.  —  The Nats claimed the 27-year-old Fornataro off waivers …

Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel enters rehab program  —  Mary Kay Cabot, Northeast Ohio Media Group By Mary Kay Cabot, Northeast Ohio Media Group  —  CLEVELAND, Ohio — Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel, who's been photographed partying from coast to coast since the day he was drafted …