MLB

The St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers faced off in a classic World Series in 2011, but now they can come together for their mutual benefit. The Cards’ pursuit of a shortstop and the Rangers’ apparent willingness to deal from a middle-infield surplus have emerged as prominent story lines early in this offseason.

Here's a deal I think works for both sides:

Starting pitching is the most precious commodity in Major League Baseball. Finding consistent dominance on the mound is something all 30 teams want but so few are able to get because there aren't that many great arms available. 

Among the field of candidates for the 2013 Cy Young awards listed by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, to be handed out Wednesday, there are two standouts who should walk away with hardware. 

The 2014 offseason will be an exciting one for MLB. There are many intriguing and desirable names that fans want their team to land. With big names such as Jacoby Ellsbury, Robinson Cano and Shin-Soo Choo headlining the free agency market, the rest of the free agents should not be overlooked.

Eight-time MLB All-Star Carlos Beltran is a free agent after playing the past two seasons for the St. Louis Cardinals, and there is already buzz about the outfielder heading to a different club.

According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, the New York Yankees are strongly considering bringing in the 36-year-old veteran:

Lobby chatter: Source says that the Yankees are definitely serious about chasing Carlos Beltran.

Updates from Tuesday, Nov. 12

The MLB Roster Moves Twitter account confirms that Marlon Byrd is now a member of the Phillies:

The @Phillies sign OF Marlon Byrd to 2-year, $16 million contract with club/vesting option for 2016.

MLB free agency is about a week old now and there still hasn't been much action. But expect that to heat up with 13 players declining their respective qualifying offers on Tuesday, per Ronald Blum of the Associated Press, cementing the dynamics of the offseason market.

With free agency looming, and trade rumors swirling, the Indians look poised to make a big splash in the 2013-14 offseason.

Cleveland's salary commitments total a measly $48.28 million for the 2014 season, so the team figures to play heavily in the free-agency market. Additionally, given the team's depth at middle infield, and in the outfield, the Tribe could also be a major player on various trading blocks.

While it's the big-name free agents signing multi-year, $100 million-plus contracts that steal the offseason headlines, the value moves teams make to fill out their roster and save payroll space are just as important to building a championship team.

Whether it's a player primed for a bounce-back season, a veteran looking to prove he still has something left in the tank or simply a second-tier option that will cost less than the marquee name at the position, there are plenty of value plays to be made each winter.

Any big moves that Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn makes this offseason will need to accomplish two things.

First, they have to make the White Sox better in 2015 and 2016 as well as next year. Second, they must be cost effective to a fault. 

Though Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell appears to be a runaway for AL Manager of the Year, Oakland A's manager Bob Melvin has a strong case to pull off the upset.