The Nationals are expected to make a run at signing free agent Cliff Lee and the Tigers (with a lot of resources available) also could get in the picture but the sweepstakes seem likely to come down to the Yankees and Rangers, with the Rangers’ chances to keep him increasing if they reach the World Series. …
Jared Mitchell, the White Sox’s 2009 first-round pick from LSU, is off to a strong start in the Arizona Fall League, his first activity since tearing a tendon in his ankle in spring training. Regaining speed is a question after that injury. …
University of Illinois product Chris Robinson, a Triple-A catcher for the Cubs, had a strong tournament for Canada in the Pan Am Qualifying event in Puerto Rico. …
The Blue Jays meant it when they said they would run a thorough managerial search. They have interviewed or confirmed interest in interviewing Don Baylor, Tim Bogar, Brian Butterfield, John Farrell, Sal Fasano, DeMarlo Hale, Nick Leyva, Bob Melvin, Rick Renteria, Ron Roenicke, Luis Rivera, Rob Thomson, Bobby Valentine and Eric Wedge (who seems headed to Seattle). They may seek interviews with another group of candidates that includes Ryne Sandberg, Dave Martinez, Joey Cora, Clint Hurdle, Pat Listach, Juan Samuel and Don Wakamatsu. And, no, there’s no clear frontrunner.
