The Monday Baseball Column: A new pitching coach's plan  —  It is a worthwhile exercise to take note of Dave Bush's existence.  —  He is, after all, the most noteworthy Red Sox' acquisition this offseason to date.  —  While the 40-year-old has been in the organization for more than three years …

Atlanta Braves sign catcher Travis d'Arnaud to replace Brian McCann  —  The Atlanta Braves signed catcher Travis d'Arnaud to a two-year, $16 million contract on Sunday, the team announced.  —  The 30-year-old d'Arnaud split last season between the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays.

Sources: MLB querying players on Astros sign-stealing allegations  —  Major League Baseball officials investigating whether the Houston Astros cheated over the past three seasons by electronically stealing signs have asked players associated with the organization what they know about a range …

Sources: Yankees say Jacoby Ellsbury got unauthorized medical treatment  —  The New York Yankees do not intend to pay Jacoby Ellsbury the remaining $26 million due under his contract, contending he violated the deal by receiving unauthorized medical treatment, sources confirmed to ESPN's Buster Olney on Friday.

With Matt Duffy gone, who's on third is now on list of Rays questions  —  Rays Tales: Yandy Diaz seems first in line, though Daniel Robertson, Mike Brosseau and Joey Wendle are options.  Also, rumblings.  —  ST. PETERSBURG — As good as the Rays feel about keeping the bulk of their 96-win team intact …

Twins name Edgar Varela hitting coach and Michael Salazar head trainer  —  Varela spent the past two seasons as the team's minor league field coordinator.  —  TEXT SIZE  —  The Twins announced the hiring of Edgar Varela as their new hitting coach.  Varela will replace James Rowson …

The Yankees Hired a Hitting Coach.  Her Name Is Rachel.  —  Rachel Balkovec is believed to be the first woman hired as a full-time hitting coach by a major league organization.  —  As she took a morning stroll on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., this week while attending Slugfest …

Minor MLB Transactions: 11/23/19  —  We'll use this post to keep track of today's minor moves...  - The Brewers signed right-hander Jesus Castillo to a minor-league deal that includes and invite to Major League camp, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.  The 24-year-old Venezuelan signed …

The Reds are interested in Zack Wheeler; the Braves' big bullpen bet; more notes  —  Imagine this rotation for the Reds next season:  —  Wait, why would the Reds want Wheeler?  Don't they need offense?  Isn't starting pitching already their strength?  —  All fair questions …

Report: Mariners prospect Evan White agrees to historic $24 million deal before reaching majors  —  The Seattle Mariners and their top prospect have agreed to a historic $24 million deal before he has even played an inning in the major leagues or above Class AA.