MLB commissioner says punishments could be severe in sign-stealing scandal  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said he believes the sign-stealing scandal that has engulfed the sport involves only the Houston Astros and that he can mete out discipline beyond …

Gerardo Parra Signs With Japan's Yomiuri Giants  —  Veteran outfielder Gerardo Parra has reached an agreement to sign a contract with the Yomiuri Giants of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, the Giants announced Wednesday (hat tip: Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker, on Twitter).

Congressmen urge Major League Baseball to scrap ‘radical’ minor league overhaul  —  More than 100 congressmen, including U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, signed a letter sent Tuesday to all Major League Baseball teams and four members of the MLB commissioner's office expressing …

Mets showing interest in catcher Robinson Chirinos  —  The Mets, clearly motivated to improve their catching corps, have expressed interest in free agent Robinson Chirinos, according to an industry source.  —  Chirinos, who will turn 36 next June, enjoyed a strong 2019 season with the Astros …

Yankees Release Jacoby Ellsbury, Designate Greg Bird  —  The Yankees have released outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and designated first baseman Greg Bird for assignment as part of a series of roster moves.  The club has also designated left-hander Nestor Cortes Jr. and added seven players …

Braves Re-Sign Chris Martin  —  The Braves announced Tuesday that they've re-signed right-hander Chris Martin to a two-year contract.  The deal is worth a guaranteed $14MM and will be evenly distributed at $7MM per season, according to the team.  Martin is represented by ISE Baseball.

Derek Jeter Among 18 Newcomers on 2020 Hall of Fame Ballot  —  Derek Jeter will likely be an overwhelming choice to join former Yankees teammate Mariano Rivera in Cooperstown.  —  NEW YORK — Derek Jeter is among 18 newcomers on the 2020 Hall of Fame ballot.

2019 Rule 5 Draft: 11 Prominent Prospects Unlikely To Be Protected  —  By 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, all 30 teams have plenty of decisions to make.  Teams must add to their 40-man Major League rosters any Rule 5 eligible players that they want to protect from that draft.

The TK Show  —  Tim Kawakami is one of the most respected sports writers in the nation and a leading voice in the Bay Area.  With his wealth of connections, he lands top-notch guests on the TK Show and produces must-listen interviews.  —  TK talks with Giants President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi …

Omar Vizquel will not return to White Sox organization in 2020  —  Omar Vizquel's time helping to develop the  —  White Sox of the future is over.  —  The White Sox announced Wednesday that Vizquel, who spent the last two seasons as a manager in the White Sox minor league system, will not be back for 2020.

Daniel Hudson represents a key offseason question for Nationals  —  An intact unit from a championship team is typically positive.  Bring back the winners.  Try it again.  Why not?  —  The Nationals' bullpen, such as it was by the end of the season, will again be populated by pieces from the league's worst ensemble in 2019.

Twins' Costello found dead in New Zealand  —  Infield prospect was set to play in Australian Baseball League  —  Minnesota Twins infield prospect Ryan Costello died overnight in Auckland, New Zealand, his Australian Baseball League team announced early Monday.  He was 23.

On Astros' sign stealing, Rays' offseason moves, awards tally, the M-word  —  Rays Tales: Team execs on Houston's big problem, a base for winter acquisitions, trophy time and an upcoming owners meeting.  —  Updated Yesterday  —  Four Rays things to think about: