Fan News

One of the topics expected to be discussed at next week's GM meetings is how to reduce the number of home plate collisions, which have always been injury risks.

Due to the vulnerable position of the catcher trying to block home plate while concentrating on trying to catch a baseball, while the runner bears down on him at full speed with the intention of jarring the ball out of his glove—whether he catches it or not—it's not exactly the safest job on the field.

Martin Perez is just the latest.

On Thursday, the Texas Rangers gave the 22-year-old left-hander—who has all of 26 starts in the majors—a contract extension worth $12.5 million over the next four years, according to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Now that the Cardinals have had about a week to recover from their Game 6 World Series loss, they have firmly turned their attention to the 2014 squad.

So far we know that Trevor Rosenthal will be the closer to start next season and Carlos Martinez will get a shot as a starter.

It wouldn't be award season without controversy. After MLB Network unveiled the finalists for baseball's four prestigious individual honors, the names left off the list are even more compelling.

Let the debates begin. 

The Baseball Writers Association of America has officially announced the finalists for the four major awards in both the American and National Leagues that will be handed out over the week of November 11. 

This is still a new process for MLB, with the BBWAA naming finalists for the first time last year before handing out the hardware.

Let the debates begin. 

The Players' Choice Awards were handed out on Monday night, but those were really just the appetizer to the main meal that is the Baseball Writers Association of America awards. 

The official winners won't be announced until the start of next week, but on Tuesday, the BBWAA gave us an early look at the three finalists for each award.

Let's take a look—and remember to play nice.

The Toronto Blue Jays announced on Monday that they won't give pitcher Josh Johnson a qualifying offer, which means Johnson is now an unrestricted free agent.

This may well be an opportunity for the San Diego Padres.

This Major League Baseball offseason is setting up to feature a bevy of activity. As always, pitching is going to be in high demand.

Cubs power-pitcher Jeff Samardzija is a hot name, but not nearly as hot at the Rays' David Price.

Meanwhile, I expect a lot of rumors and some movement involving right-handed power bats. Mark Trumbo would appear to be the hottest name of the moment in that department. 

The New York Yankees are preparing for life after Robinson Cano, or so it seems.

According to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, the Yankees have made contact with the Cincinnati Reds about second baseman Brandon Phillips:

The Seattle Mariners have reportedly found their man, as Lloyd McClendon is set to be named the team's next manager.  

The former Pittsburgh Pirates skipper will fill the void left by Eric Wedge. The Puget Sound Business Journal broke the news on Twitter.

#Mariners will name Detroit Tigers hitting coach Lloyd McClendon as their new manager, a source close to team says. Announcement soon.