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).

Blue Jays investigating ‘disturbing’ PED use by minor leaguers  —  The Toronto Blue Jays have begun an internal investigation after the suspensions last week of six minor league players for the use of PEDs.  —  “This situation is very disappointing and disturbing to the organization …

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 …

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.

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.

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.

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.