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.

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.

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.

Mets' Curtis Granderson looking for big bounce back season in 2015  —  Granderson, who will be 34 in March, signed a four-year, $60-million deal before last season and then batted .227 with a .326 on-base percentage and a .388 slugging percentage.  —  Curtis Granderson knows “the spotlight is always going to be pretty bright.”

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.

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.