Rebuilt Cubs ready to take the next step  —  Let's say his Chicago Cubs win the World Series for the first time since 1908.  —  That would make Theo Epstein a Hall of Fame executive.  To win three championships with two of the most storied franchises while ending epic title droughts would give Epstein …

DBacks Acquire Jean Segura, Tyler Wagner From Brewers For Chase Anderson, Aaron Hill, Isan Diaz  —  The Diamondbacks have acquired shortstop Jean Segura and reliever Tyler Wagner from the Brewers in exchange for starting pitcher Chase Anderson, second baseman Aaron Hill, and prospect Isan Diaz, tweets Keith Law of ESPN.

Brandon Phillips will be Reds' second baseman, Bryan Price says  —  FLORENCE — Brandon Phillips, despite the Reds' front office's attempts to trade him this offseason, will most likely be a Cincinnati Red this season — and he'll be the starting second baseman.

A portrait of a pitcher: Daniel Norris' journey to find perspective  —  Ben Moon had come very close to selling it on Craigslist.  The renowned adventure photographer and filmmaker was switching over to Sony as a brand ambassador and had found a potential buyer for his Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II portrait lens …

McGee trade creates hole in Rays' setup role  —  Trading for Corey Dickerson last week was the latest move in an offseason clearly designed to bolster the Rays' typically impuissant offense.  —  But in giving up one of their top relievers, Jake McGee, to add the lefty slugger to what now is a crowded …

Happy 157th Birthday to Tony Mullane, the First Switch Pitcher  —  It's hard to describe Tony Mullane in a way that does him justice.  (via Goodwin and Company)  —  Saturday was the 157th birthday of Tony Mullane, a native of Cork, Ireland, who became known as “The Apollo of the Box” and …

Ray Searage has work cut out this year with Pirates, but he won't mind  —  Ray Searage is going into the final year of his contract as Pirates pitching coach.  He says he wants to stay for the long haul because he enjoys the city, fans and organization.  “I'd love to retire as a Pirate.”

Rick Hahn hopes to add more to White Sox roster after ‘frustrating’ month  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Before White Sox fans lined up in a ballroom at the Hilton Chicago to launch their questions at the team's leaders Friday night, general manager Rick Hahn addressed one subject unprompted for the SoxFest crowd.

Ohio Seminary Student Arrested at San Diego Airport, Allegedly Sought Sex With Infants  —  Warning: This article contains descriptions of an alleged crime whose details may be disturbing to some readers.  —  A 23-year-old Ohio man was arrested by federal agents in San Diego on Friday …

Royals Sign Travis Snider To Minor League Deal  —  The Royals have announced that they've signed corner outfielder Travis Snider to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite.  Snider is a client of CAA Sports.  —  Snider, who will turn 28 this week, batted .232/.313/.350 …

DeMarcus Lawrence Has Offseason Surgery, Expected Back “Fairly Soon”  —  MOBILE, Ala. - DeMarcus Lawrence is the latest Cowboy player to undergo offseason surgery, Cowboys coach Jason Garrett confirmed Saturday.  —  Lawrence underwent a procedure on his back for an injury that had nagged …

New York Giants' Jay Bromley accused of attempted rape  —  New York Giants' Jay Bromley Photo: Joseph E. Amaturo / Charles Wenzelberg  —  New York Giants defensive tackle Jay Bromley has been accused of attempting to rape a woman — who later jumped on the hood of his car in a bizarre effort …