Pitching minicamp begins Monday as Orioles' land of opportunity  —  Each winter, the Orioles' minor league minicamp puts on display the idea that anyone who pitches himself into position to do so can contribute in an organization that tries to find any advantage it can.

Grass or fake stuff?  Here's what the Rangers are planning for new ballpark  —  The giant hole just south of Globe Life Park keeps getting deeper and deeper, and at some point in the not-too-distant future it will begin to be surrounded by steal and concrete and eventually covered by a retractable roof.

In quiet winter for baseball industry, Brewers continue to explore personnel moves  —  In this extremely cold winter, major-league baseball's hot stove has hardly been hot.  In fact, you can't even warm your hands over it.  —  The dearth of industry news has impacted the Milwaukee Brewers …

Crane: Astros “Actively Pursuing A High-End Starter”  —  The Astros have been connected to Yu Darvish at various points throughout the offseason, and owner Jim Crane confirmed to reporters today that his club is in the market for a top-shelf pitching addition (Twitter links, with video, from MLB.com's Alyson Footer).

Phillies want to develop starting pitchers.  Here are four to watch  —  “Maybe never in our history has it been more important to develop starting pitchers.”  — Phillies general manager Matt Klentak on Dec. 13 at the winter meetings  —  The Phillies have made it clear …

Sammy Watkins uncertain about his future with Rams  —  Given the amount of young talent in place, the Rams should enjoy a bright 2018 season, but a few players left the Coliseum on Saturday night uncertain about whether they would return.  —  Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson has a six-year history …

Real or not?  Reasons for the sloooow hot stove season  —  Nobody is signing, and we're all wondering why.  It's January.  It's time to start working out and throwing some long toss and hitting the cages, and many of the top free agents are still seeking homes for 2018.

Redskins Coach Jay Gruden doesn't want another one-year deal for Kirk Cousins  —  Two years of unceasing questions about Kirk Cousins's contractual future have been exhausting for everyone: for fans, teammates, media members, sports-radio hosts, sports-radio listeners, Peruvian chicken shop owners …

Cameron Jordan mocks Cam Newton, Matt Kalil after victory  —  Gallery: New Orleans Saints host the Carolina Panthers in a NFC Wild Card game  —  After New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan produced a sack in the third quarter of Sunday's playoff victory, he began shouting at the Carolina Panthers offensive line.

Report: Nationals interested in Lance Lynn  —  Lance Lynn has garnered considerable interest around the league this offseason, most recently from the Nationals.  —  The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal speculates that the team would be hard-pressed to accommodate someone with Lynn's asking price …

Robert Kraft Responds: Patriots' Owner Denies Report of Extended Meeting About QBs With Bill Belichick  — In a conversation with The MMQB's Peter King, Patriots' owner Robert Kraft disputed the ESPN report that he met for half a day with Bill Belichick during the season discussing the team's quarterbacks …

Blue Jays Acquire Yangervis Solarte  —  The Blue Jays have acquired infielder Yangervis Solarte from the Padres in exchange for two prospects - outfielder Edward Olivares and reliever Jared Carkuff - per announcements from both teams.  —  The 30-year-old Solarte is the second infielder …