Third baseman was arbitration-eligible for the first time  —  Todd Frazier ascended to a higher level with 29 homers and 20 steals in 2014 and should sustain his top-tier numbers in Cincinnati  —  The Reds have avoided an arbitration hearing with third baseman Todd Frazier by agreeing to a two-year, $12 million deal.

Padres, James Shields agree to 4-year deal, according to source  —  Shields joins a revamped Padres' team that has been very active this winter.  —  The Padres have agreed to sign free agent right-hander James Shields to a four-year contract that includes a club option for a fifth season, according to major-league sources.

GM says Marlins may also add bullpen help prior to Spring Training  —  Marlins general manager Dan Jennings looks at the potential of the team's rotation for 2015, including when Jose Fernandez could return  —  MIAMI — Dan Haren is ready to be part of the Marlins' rotation and ace Jose Fernandez …

Dolan: “Start Rooting For The Nets Because The Knicks Don't Want You”  —  New York Knicks and Cablevision CEO James Dolan lashed out at a lifelong fan over email, suggesting the fan was an alcoholic who should start rooting for the Nets “because the Knicks don't want you.”

Yankees GM Brian Cashman believes in his team  —  The Yankees and Alex Rodriguez, the gifts that keep on giving — at least for sports journalists.  —  Picture that tent at George Steinbrenner Field in spring training.  Rodriguez reading his mea culpa with a thousand cameras clicking.

Orioles who need to get defensive  —  Orioles manager Buck Showalter has issued warnings in the past about never overlooking an orchid while searching for a rose.  It's one of his favorite phrases.  —  During the Q&A forum at FanFest last weekend, Showalter was asked which orchids were being overlooked on the current roster.

Welcome back!  Matt Harvey's spring arrival this week spurs Mets' optimism  —  They know how important Harvey could be to this year's team, a club that is already dreaming big after six consecutive losing seasons.  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — Pre-spring training preparation for some Mets …

A's pointing to June returns for Parker, Griffin  —  Athletics broadcaster Vince Cotroneo talks about Jarrod Parker and A.J. Griffin and how a few new arms may round out the club's rotation  —  OAKLAND — The A's pitching depth undoubtedly figures to be one of their biggest strengths this season.

Doolittle making progress with shoulder rehab  —  Sean Doolittle assumed the closer's role last May, recording 22 saves in 26 tries, and should remain the 9th-inning option in Oakland in '15  —  OAKLAND — Rehabbing A's closer Sean Doolittle is encouraged by his progress from a left shoulder injury …

Rays manager Kevin Cash plans more stable lineup  —  A lot of what the Rays do under new manager Kevin Cash will be similar to how they operated under Joe Maddon, such as getting statistical input from the front office and making extensive use of defensive shifts.

All-Star Game To Be Awarded By Bid, Manfred Says  —  New MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said he intends to award the All-Star Game with a bidding process, rather than alternating leagues as has been the practice generally every season since the game was put in place in 1933.