The Dodgers are back to square one in their search for a second baseman  —  The Dodgers are back to square one in their search for a second baseman.  But square one is not necessarily a bad place to be.  —  The trade and free-agent markets are full of alternatives to the Twins' Brian Dozier …

Yankees, Masahiro Tanaka have not discussed contract extension: Brian Cashman  —  Yankees GM Brian Cashman says he hasn't had any discussions with ace Masahiro Tanaka's representatives about a contract extension.  —  Tanaka, who is slated to make $22 million in 2017, can opt out of his deal at season's end.

Kyle Schwarber wants to catch, but will Cubs let him?  —  During an interview in Los Angeles on Jan. 9, the Cubs' Kyle Schwarber is ready to show he's healthy heading into the 2017 season.  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Confined to a 15-foot circle in the photo studio, Kyle Schwarber repeatedly simulated catching …

Rangers latest to look at Mark Trumbo  —  At a seeming impasse on talks involving Mike Napoli, the Rangers are the latest team to check in on Mark Trumbo, yet another big-time free slugger looking for a job.  —  Trumbo, who led the AL with 47 home runs, makes sense for Texas, which needs to replenish its offense.

Greg Holland has much interest, seeks unique deal  —  Free agent closer Greg Holland is seeking an unusual two-year deal with a one-year opt-out that could allow him to re-test a free agent market that showed a strong affinity for closers this winter.  —  Holland's interest in such a deal …

What I'm voting for with my Hall of Fame ballot, and why steroid users don't belong  —  A jarring thought occurred to me recently: many people who never covered a day of the Steroid Era are voting for the Hall of Fame.  —  Writers accrue their voting rights after holding a Baseball Writers Association …

Braves Acquire Luiz Gohara & Thomas Burrows From Mariners For Mallex Smith & Shae Simmons  —  The Braves and Mariners have announced a trade involving younger assets.  Atlanta will receive lefties Luiz Gohara and Thomas Burrows, while Seattle will pick up outfielder Mallex Smith and righty Shae Simmons.

‘SCARY LITTLE THING’  —  Tommy John, pioneered by Dr. Frank Jobe and named for the first big leaguer to receive it, is a complete reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament using a graft.  Since its first use, in 1974, Tommy John has been improved but remained largely unchanged as it became …

Packers' Geronimo Allison faces marijuana charge  —  GREEN BAY - Green Bay Packers wide receiver Geronimo Allison was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana last month after a traffic stop and subsequent arrest in early September.  —  The district attorney's office for Manitowoc County filed the charge on Dec. 15, 2016.

Left-hander Harrison to be honored at Rangers' awards dinner  —  Matt Harrison, whose All-Star career with the Texas Rangers was eventually derailed by back injuries and inclusion in the 2015 Cole Hamels trade, will be recognized as the winner of the Mark Holtz Alumni Award on Jan. 20 at the Dr Pepper Awards Dinner.

White Sox top prospect Yoan Moncada has own ‘expectations’ after Chris Sale trade  —  Yoan Moncada wants the White Sox to look good for making him the centerpiece of the Chris Sale trade.  —  The second baseman, who is rated as the No. 1 overall prospect in baseball, according to MLB.com …

Angels Have Interest In Matt Wieters  —  The Angels have at least had internal discussions regarding the possibility of pursuing free-agent catcher Matt Wieters, according to Jon Heyman of Fan Rag.  Whether the team will emerge as a serious bidder remains to be seen, however.