Rangers have new targets should they miss on Ohtani  —  In the grand scheme of things on a busy Tuesday, the announcement of the Opening Day first pitch for the Texas Rangers next season was third on a list of three things.  (For the record, it's 2:30 p.m. March 29 vs. the defending world champions, the Houston Astros, on ESPN).

The Toronto Blue Jays have begun internal investigation after the suspensions last week of six minor league players for the use of performance-enhancing drugs  —  The Toronto Blue Jays have begun an internal investigation after the suspensions last week of six minor league players for the use of PEDs.

Who, me?!  Why your team's next closer will probably be a total surprise — even to him  —  Consider the Houston closer.  —  Before the 2015 season, the Astros signed Luke Gregerson to be their closer for three years.  The next winter, they traded a hefty package for Ken Giles, a younger …

Former Tigers manager Brad Ausmus takes job in Angels' front office  —  Brad Ausmus has a new job.  —  The former Detroit Tigers manager has joined the Angels as a special assistant to general manager Billy Eppler, according to the team.  The news was first reported by Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register.

Fox drops Marlins TV play-by-play man Rich Waltz, two former Marlins  —  The Marlins will have a significant change in their broadcast booth for the third consecutive season.  —  Fox Sports Florida on Wednesday dropped Marlins play-by-play announcer Rich Waltz, who had filled the position for 13 years.

Marlins To Sign Yadiel Rivera  —  The Marlins have reached an agreement with infielder Yadiel Rivera, as Rivera himself announced via his Twitter feed that he is joining the organization.  Rivera elected to become a free agent after he was outrighted off the Brewers' 40-man roster in late September.

Mets trying to pluck the workhorse behind Indians dominant bullpen … In a quiet holiday week, the Mets are getting a better idea about the free-agent bullpen landscape.  —  One proven reliever is imperative to augment Jeurys Familia, AJ Ramos and Jerry Blevins in the late innings next season.

Giancarlo Stanton Notes: Opt-Out Clause, Contract Value, No-Trade Clause  —  With rumors continuing to swirl around 2017 NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton, Craig Edwards of Fangraphs took a close look at the value of the Marlins outfielder's opt-out clause, and how it might suppress his trade value.

MLB Hot Stove: Has the 2017-18 offseason been slower than the last few offseasons?  —  No, you're not imagining things.  This MLB offseason has been very slow compared to the last few years  —  The Hot Stove League has been abuzz with rumors and speculation, but very little action this offseason.

Rumor Central: Twins showing interest in Pirates' Gerrit Cole, Rays' Jake Odorizzi among others?  —  The Minnesota Twins won 28 more games in 2017 than they did the previous season and are eyeing several pitchers this winter as they attempt to continue their upward trajectory.