Sunday afternoon linkage..
- Sources say that there is a growing expectation within the Marlins organization that Larry Beinfest will lose power and that Dan Jennings will gain influence and become the dominant advisory voice for owner Jeffery Loria, writes Buster Olney of ESPN.com. It also remains to be seen whether Beinfest would be fired outright or simply see a loss in decision-making power. Sources also expect to see at least three other major changes made as well.
- The Blue Jays' next big focus will be to sign Colby Rasmus to a multi-year contract, writes Richard Griffin of the Toronto Star. The centerfielder is currently set to hit the open market after the 2014 season. Recently, Ben Nicholson-Smith looked back on the trade that brought Rasmus to Toronto.
- Bob Cohn of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review asks if the Pirates are truly smart spenders or just a frugal franchise. A recent piece by Bloomberg Businessweek had the Bucs as one of the most efficient spenders in MLB over the last five years, but Cohn is quick to point out the club's overall performance during that span versus their current play. Pittsburgh has gone 326-489 over the past five seasons, finishing last in the National League Central four times and fourth in 2011.
Dan Jennings the pitcher?