5 candidates to replace Cubs pitching coach Jim Hickey  —  Chicago Tribune  —  With several other major-league teams' coaching staffs virtually set, the timing isn't the greatest for the Cubs to be looking for a new pitching coach.  —  But there are still several qualified candidates …

Roster moves leave Cubs and White Sox with little risk of losing top prospects in Rule 5 draft  —  Chicago Tribune  —  The maneuvering by the Cubs and White Sox prior to Tuesday's deadline to finalize 40-man rosters left them with minimal risk three weeks before the Rule 5 draft.

Manny Machado clarifies controversial ‘Johnny Hustle’ comment  —  After a tumultuous postseason, Manny Machado is doing his best to answer lingering questions that hang over his free agency.  —  Machado was criticized during the National League Championship Series for not running out a ground ball …

Rays DFA C.J. Cron after career-high 30 homers  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays have designated C.J. Cron for assignment after the slugger hit 30 home runs with an .816 OPS last season.  —  Cron batted .253, slugged .493 and drove in 74 runs in his first season with Tampa Bay …

Yankees trading for James Paxton was no-brainer as price was right, but there are plenty of red flags  —  Before we get into why the Yankees' trade for Seattle ace James Paxton was really a no-brainer, it is at least worth acknowledging all the red flags with this deal that may ultimately render …

New Orioles GM Mike Elias brings former Astros analytics chief Sig Mejdal along to Baltimore  —  The Orioles next Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Elias meets with the media.  (Kevin Richardson / Baltimore Sun video)  —  An Orioles analytics department that was previously marginalized …

Mets “Seriously Considering” Noah Syndergaard Trade Scenarios  —  The Mets are “seriously considering” trade scenarios for high-end righty Noah Syndergaard, according to Jon Heyman of Fancred (via Twitter).  Per the report, at least six rival organizations are “real players” for the high-octane starter.

Miami Marlins must deal J.T. Realmuto before it's too late  —  The Washington Nationals had some of the worst catching production in the big leagues last season, with players at that position combining for just a .209 average, 54 runs and 12 homers.  Among would-be contenders …

Orioles Sign Jace Peterson, Three Others  —  1:15pm: Baltimore has announced the signing of Peterson as well as those of three other players.  Infielders Christopher Bostick and Zach Vincej will join the utility competition, with righty Jeffeson Medina also coming to the organization on a minors pact.

A's Khris Davis wins award as best designated hitter  —  Khris Davis of the A's was the best designated hitter of 2018.  So say the writers, broadcasters and club public-relations officials whose votes earned Davis the 2018 Edgar Martinez Outstanding DH Award.

Former NL managers among the Mets' candidates for bench coach, sources say  —  Jim Riggleman, who managed five teams, and former Braves skipper Fredi Gonzalez are among those being considered for the job.  —  In search of a new bench coach, the Mets have keyed in on a certain type of baseball lifer: former National League managers.