Report: Athletics appear active in trying to trade Brandon Moss
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(9:44 am ET) The Athletics are “going to trade” first baseman/outfielder Brandon Moss, one baseball executive told ESPN baseball columnist Jayson Stark. 

It was first reported by the Bay Area News Group on Wednesday the Indians were showing interest in trading for Moss, who was a first-time All-Star in 2014. MLB.com then reported the Indians weren’t the only team interested in Moss, but nothing appears imminent.

On Thursday, FOX Sports reporter Ken Rosenthal reported the Indians are still working on trying to acquire Moss, but what the Athletics receive in return remains an issue. Moss is coming off hip surgery and is projected to make around $7 million in arbitration.

Moss hit .234 with 23 doubles, 25 home runs and 81 RBI in 147 games last season. He has hit at least 20 home runs in each of the last three seasons. He is batting .254 with a .504 slugging percentage and .844 OPS in 376 games since 2012.

Report: Tigers drawing strong interest in David Price, Rick Porcello
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(9:28 am ET) The Tigers are drawing strong trade interest for starting pitchers David Price and Rick Porcello, sources told FOX Sports reporter Ken Rosenthal.

Both players are slated to be free agents after the 2015 season. They are both in the final year of arbitration as well, with Price projected to make close to $19 million and Porcello projected to earn a little more than $12 million, per MLBTradeRumors.com.

Dodgers may be the fourth team in on Jon Lester
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12/3/2014) The Dodgers may be the fourth team in on pitcher Jon Lester, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman.

The Dodgers interest in Lester was first mentioned by WEEI. Los Angeles is actually looking at most of the elite pitchers on the market, including Max Scherzer and James Shields. The Dodgers already have an incredible $240 million payroll, but the team is looking for depth in the rotation behind Clayton Kershaw. 

Report: Dodgers not a match for Cole Hamels right now
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12/3/2014) The Dodgers are not a match for Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels at the moment, according to FoxSports.com.

The price for Hamels is high, and the Phillies would want one of Joc Pederson or Corey Seager in a deal. The Dodgers, however, don’t have to give up young talent in order to acquire an elite pitcher. Los Angeles is said to be looking at some of the elite starters left on the market. It appears the club will focus on the market before turning back to Hamels. 

The 30-year-old Hamels posted a 2.46 ERA over 204 2/3 innings last season. He’s owed $90 million over the next four seasons.

Braves sign pitcher Michael Kohn to minor-league deal
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12/3/2014) The Braves have signed pitcher Michael Kohn to a minor-league deal.

Kohn posted a 3.04 ERA over 23 2/3 innings with the Angels last season. He was picked up by the Rays earlier in the offseason, but was pushed off the 40-man roster and elected to become a free-agent. 

Report: Fourth team has entered bidding for Jon Lester
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12/3/2014) A surprise fourth team has entered the final bidding for free-agent pitcher Jon Lester, according to ESPN.

The Red Sox, Cubs and Giants are assumed to be three of the teams in the running, but the fourth club is unclear at this time. There’s some speculation it could be the Cardinals, though that’s not confirmed. CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman mentioned the Cardinals, Royals and Blue Jays as some of the other teams linked to Lester. The Braves had previously been mentioned as a strong contender, but the team’s reported offer may have come up short.

The 30-year-old Lester is coming off a season in which he posted a 2.46 ERA over 219 2/3 innings. He’s expected to make his decision shortly. 

Report: At least four teams showing interest in David Ross
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12/3/2014) At least four teams are showing interest in catcher David Ross, according to FoxSports.com.

The Braves, Cubs, Red Sox and Padres have all pursued Ross this offseason, though other clubs are said to be involved as well. Ross was limited by concussions in 2013, and spent last season dealing with foot and ankle injuries. The 37-year-old Ross hit .184/.260/.368 over 152 at-bats. 

Blue Jays no longer pursuing Melky Cabrera
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12/3/2014) The Blue Jays are no longer pursuing outfielder Melky Cabrera, according to Sportsnet.

While that was expected following the team’s trade for Michael Saunders, General manager Alex Anthopoulos confirmed that this move takes them out of the race for Cabrera. Cabrera spent the last two years in Toronto. He’s said to be seeking a five-year deal. Both the Royals and Reds have been mentioned as possible contenders for Cabrera by CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman.

Cubs’ Javier Baez to begin winter ball shortly
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12/3/2014) Cubs infielder Javier Baez is set to begin playing winter ball shortly, according to MLB.com.

The 22-year-old Baez will begin games December 11. He had a brief audition with the Cubs last year, hitting .169/.227/.324 over 213 at-bats. Baez is projected to open the season as the team’s second baseman. 

Rockies bring back pitcher Kraig Sitton
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12/3/2014) The Rockies have re-signed pitcher Kraig Sitton to a minor-league deal.

Sitton was non-tendered by the club on Tuesday, but the team opted to bring him back on Wednesday. The 23-year-old Sitton posted a 3.68 ERA over 66 innings last year in Double-A.