Marlins sign Vinny Rottino to minor league deal

-Dee Gordon Already Donating To Florida Community

Dee Gordon has only been a Marlin for a couple weeks, but he is already giving thanks to the community. On Saturday, Gordon held his First Annual Dee Gordon Boys & Girls Club Christmas Basketball Tournament in Avon Park.

-Marlins' Orrin Freeman Wins West Coast Scout of the Year

The Marlins have long relied on their scouting ability to have a competitive chance because of their normally marginal payroll. This year at the 31st Scout of the Year banquet, the Marlins Orrin Freeman won the award for west coast Scout of the Year.

-Marlins nab P Claiborne off waivers | The Miami Herald

The Miami Marlins have claimed reliever Preston Claiborne off waivers from the New York Yankees, the team announced Tuesday. Claiborne was designated for assignment by New York on Friday when the Yankees acquired fellow relief pitcher Gonzalez German from the Mets.

-Marlins claim reliever Claiborne off waivers from Yankees | marlins.com

The Marlins added some additional bullpen depth on Tuesday when they claimed right-hander Preston Claiborne off waivers from the Yankees. Miami's 40-man roster is now full. Claiborne projects to factor into a middle-relief or setup role, and his arrival helps ease the loss of Chris Hatcher, who was traded to the Dodgers earlier in the month.

-Hometown a special place for Gordon | marlins.com

To Dee Gordon, there is no place like home for the holidays, and this year is truly a homecoming in a number of ways for the Marlins' newly acquired second baseman. Florida-born, Gordon was traded by the Dodgers to Miami at the Winter Meetings. The 26-year-old is eager to play in his home state. But first, during this holiday season, he is happy to give back to those who supported him growing up.

-Filling bench roles next on offseason agenda | marlins.com

Barring anything unforeseen, the Marlins' everyday lineup is pretty much set after a series of offseason moves that brought in three new regulars. When it comes to the bench, however, it's a different story. The front office still has some unfinished business when it comes to finding a fourth outfielder and a left-handed hitter who can play a corner-infield spot. There are several internal candidates, but chances are the team will make another move or two before Spring Training to strengthen the overall roster.

-Minor Moves: Mijares, Bowden, Runzler – MLB Trade Rumors

The Marlins inked outfielder Vinny Rottino to a minor league deal.  Rottino, 34, is returning to North American baseball for the first time since 2012 after playing in Korea and Japan over the last two seasons.  This is Rottino’s second stint in Miami, as he played for the Marlins, Mets, Indians and Brewers while collecting 110 career Major League plate appearances.

Around The League

-Expect even more MLB excitement in the New Year. | SportsonEarth.com : Richard Justice Article

This Spring Training will be different from most others. In previous years, we would focus on one team or perhaps a couple of teams. But this offseason has changed everything. And so, the 2015 season offers countless possibilities.

-Kaneko staying put in Japan " Hot Stove

Japanese right-hander Chihiro Kaneko signed a new four-year deal with the Orix Buffaloes on Wednesday, according to The Japan Times. That puts an end to speculation that the defending Pacific League MVP might be posted this offseason, though the 31-year-old remains open to coming to the Major Leagues in the future.

-Wright reaches out to sons of slain NYPD officer | MLB.com

David Wright picked up the phone and made a difference on Christmas Eve. The Mets third baseman reached out to the two sons of slain NYPD officer Rafael Ramos on Wednesday, according to a report by the New York Daily News.

-Banister's unmatched positivity a result of his perseverance | MLB.com

Just to show you that good things do sometimes happen to good people, there's Jeff Banister. He's the new manager of the Texas Rangers. To get his first managerial shot at 50 years old says so many good things about this guy, it would be difficult to know where to begin.

At Fish Stripes

-Marlins traded Casey McGehee for better infield control - Fish Stripes

The 32-year old infielder was dealt because he was only under control for one more season.

-Martin Prado trade: New Marlins lineup optimization - Fish Stripes

The Miami Marlins' trade for Martin Prado added a better hitter to the team's lineup. What should their lineup look like now?

-Marlins could send Dan Haren to San Diego Padres for outfielder - Fish Stripes

The 34-year old may not want to pitch in Miami, and the Marlins may use that to their advantage.

-The Marlins will bat Dee Gordon leadoff, but they shouldn't - Fish Stripes

Dee Gordon was acquired by the Miami Marlins to bat leadoff, but he is far from the best choice to hit at the top of the lineup regularly.

-Top 5 Miami Marlins offseason presents - Fish Stripes

Presents are always nice, but what have the Marlins promised you now that would please you by next December?