Cardinals search for ‘star power’ that could guide return to postseason  —  With a vested — and invested — interest in upselling teams on all the added benefits of offense, agent Scott Boras, who reps a handful of free-agent hitters this winter, arrived at last week's GM meetings with a metaphorical map …

Yankees interview Chris Woodward - ex-Met and current Dodgers 3rd base coach - for manager gig  —  The list has been expanded to five now of those who have interviewed with GM Brian Cashman for the Yankees' managerial opening since Joe Girardi was let go at the conclusion of the season.

Mariners Acquire Nick Rumbelow  —  The Mariners have announced that they've acquired right-hander Nick Rumbelow from the Yankees in exchange for a pair of minor league pitchers, left-hander JP Sears and righty Juan Then.  —  It's not an earth-shattering trade by any means …

Miguel Cabrera instantly sheds weight working with LeBron James' trainer  —  First a World Series win, now a beautiful Tuscan wedding.  Newly married couple Kate Upton and Justin Verlander have a lot to celebrate.  Us Weekly reports that they both shared their happiness about their weekend nuptials on social media on Monday.

Braves prospect Ronald Acuna named Arizona Fall League MVP  —  Atlanta Braves No. 1 prospect Ronald Acuna earned the Joe Black Most Valuable Player Award of the Arizona Fall League after slashing .325/.414/.639 with seven home runs in 23 games.  —  At 19 years old, he is the youngest player in AFL history to take home the honor.

Column: Astros looking for cure for World Series hangover  —  The Houston Astros beat the Dodgers, 5-1, in Game 7 at Dodger Stadium to win the World Series.  —  Chicago Tribune  —  The World Series champion Astros are following the Cubs' template this offseason, starting with Jose Altuve …

As Rays start dealing, how far will they go?  —  After collecting intelligence at last week's GM meetings, the Rays soon will launch their offseason mission of trading at least a couple of veterans to reduce payroll.  —  The question is how far they will go how many players they deal …

Judge and Altuve  —  The bedrock assumption upon which all sabermetrics is founded is that the importance of each statistical accomplishment depends upon its connection to wins and losses.  It was a belief of sportswriters and baseball professionals, in the pre-analytical era …

Phillies hire Jim Gott for bullpen coach as staff slowly forms  —  The Phillies still need a bench coach and a pitching coach for Gabe Kapler's first season as manager, but they have a bullpen coach: Jim Gott, who pitched for 14 years in the majors and worked for the last five seasons in the Angels' minor-league system.

Rumor Central: Alex Cobb drawing interest from Orioles?  —  After declining a one-year, $17.4 million qualifying offer from the Tampa Bay Rays, pitcher Alex Cobb recently became a free agent and already is drawing interest from another AL East team.  —  According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network …

John Hart leaves Braves after being stripped of power  —  ATLANTA (AP) John Hart left the Atlanta Braves on Friday, less than a week after being stripped of his role as president of baseball operations.  —  The decision was not unexpected given the hiring of general manager Alex Anthopoulos …