MLB

The Los Angeles Dodgers have won 92 and 94 games the past two seasons, as well as the National League West both times, and are once again considered by many (if not most) to be the favorites in that division in 2015.

The calendar has changed over to 2015, yet there are still several noticeable names remaining in the MLB free-agent pool.

Some MLB executives just never seem to leave the office.

Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane and Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein both fit that description. While their respective clubs have been among the busiest in baseball this winter, it's worth remembering that off-field activity doesn't always translate to on-field success. 

The Arizona Diamondbacks have spent a hefty sum of money to bring aboard a young Cuban talent with lots of upside.

No, this is not a delayed reaction to their signing of right-handed slugger Yasmany Tomas. The Diamondbacks have bagged another one: Yoan Lopez.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and catcher A.J. Ellis avoided salary arbitration Tuesday, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $4.25 million for the 2015 season.

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports first reported the news:

If the Washington Nationals made headlines with blockbuster trades involving their star players this offseason, it would be far less stressful for fans than the team's conspicuous inactivity.

The Nats have made small trades here and entered talks there, but Washington has yet to check off anything on the top of its to-do list. And, as of now, that strategy has benefited some players and left others in precarious spots.

The Baltimore Orioles have had a characteristically quiet offseason so far, but it has been extremely quiet even for a club such as Baltimore that tends to not overspend and rather builds from within.

While other teams have been working the telephones organizing blockbuster trades or courting huge free-agent superstars, the Orioles have been content with what got them to the American League Championship Series in 2014.

If it ain't broke, they won't fix it.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are feeling optimistic after an active offseason. Change was certainly expected following a season in which the D-Backs finished 64-98—worst in MLB.

With the addition of young pitching and Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas, the 2015 team has a new feel to it. 

After managing the Kansas City Royals to their first American League pennant in nearly three decades, Ned Yost has been rewarded with a one-year contract extension.    

The team announced the news on Twitter:

This offseason has been one of the more interesting ones in recent memory for the Atlanta Braves.

It started with the firing of general manager Frank Wren, as John Hart stepped in with a clear goal of changing the direction of the organization.

Hart has went to work on building depth in the farm system and has especially focused on stockpiling young arms.