White Sox right-hander Andre Rienzo, a skinny Brazilian who was suspended for PED use in the spring, has been as impressive as any pitcher at the start of the Arizona Fall League. He has combined a mid-90s fastball and a high-80s cutter to strike out 10 in seven innings without allowing an earned run. He could jump from Double A to the big leagues next spring. …

Hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh is the fall guy for the Rangers' slide. They have hired the Red Sox's Dave Magadan, who had been rumored as a candidate with the Cubs. …

A lot of baseball people believe that a trade of the Rangers' Elvis Andrus for the Diamondbacks' Justin Upton makes sense. But Rangers manager Ron  Nike Air Max ShoesWashington didn't play shortstop Jurickson Profar much once he joined the roster. …

The Mariners could be another option for Upton. They are willing to trade one of their intriguing pitching prospects --

Taijuan Walker, Danny Hultzen or James Paxton — for hitting. …

Two top pitchers expected to be shopped this winter are closers Joel Hanrahan of the Pirates and Chris Perez of the Indians. The Indians view Vinnie Pestano as a closer in waiting, and GM Neal Huntington worries that Hanrahan's salary is outgrowing a closer's value. …

Don't be surprised if the Cubs find a way to add left-hander John Lannan this winter, either in a trade with the Nationals or as a free agent after he's nontendered. …

Orioles GM Dan Duquette is facing an interesting offseason. He has 15 arbitration-eligible players and a really tough decision with Mark Reynolds, who is the most prominent possible nontender. …

The Rockies are seriously considering Jason Giambi for their manager's job. He has the personality for it, that's for sure. …

The Rangers are working to re-sign catcher Geovany Soto but are unlikely to offer him salary arbitration.




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