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 …

Yankees claim Jacoby Ellsbury went behind their backs as money fight escalates  —  If only Jacoby Ellsbury had inspired this much fire and fury when he actually played for the Yankees.  —  Ellsbury, long ago a worthy foe when he wore a Red Sox uniform, now finds himself immersed in a heated battle …

Blue Jays, A.J. Cole Agree To Minor League Deal  —  The Blue Jays have agreed to a minor league contract with right-hander A.J. Cole, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet reports (via Twitter).  —  Cole, 27, spent the 2019 campaign with the Indians, for whom he tallied 26 innings of 3.81 ERA ball with 10.4 K/9 …

Tigers Acquire Dario Agrazal  —  The Tigers have acquired right-hander Dario Agrazal from the Pirates in exchange for cash, the team announced.  (Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reported the move, via Twitter, minutes before it was formally announced.)

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 …

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 …

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.