These are some quick notes on some of the big headlines around baseball Tuesday:

• The New York Mets are reportedly no longer considering outfielder Michael Cuddyer after he received a qualifying offer from the Rockies on Monday. Read more: theScore.
• According to Mark Feinstein and Bill Madden of the New York Daily News, the Yankees aren’t expected to pursue top-tier free agents like Max Scherzer, Jon Lester, James Shields, and Pablo Sandoval. The team is reportedly focusing on players such as Brandon McCarthy and Chase Headley. Read more: The New York Daily News.

• The Minnesota Twins have expressed interest in outfielder Torii Hunter, according to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN. Read more: NBCSports.com, MLB Daily Dish.
• According to a report, the Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a contract with Cuban infielder Roberto Baldoquin. Read more: Bleacher Report, Angels.com.
• Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports that free-agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval rejected his qualifying offer from the San Francisco Giants. Read more: FoxSports.com.
• Paul Molitor was introduced as the Minnesota Twins manager on Tuesday. Read more: theScore.
• Outfielder/designated hitter Nelson Cruz rejected a $15.3M qualifying offer from the Baltimore Orioles and is reportedly seeking a 4-year contract this offseason. Read more: CBSSports.com.
• Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Marlon Byrd is generating a lot of trade interest, according to Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal. Read more: FoxSports.com.
• Cincinnati Reds pitcher Mat Latos had stem cell surgery on his right elbow, according to Jim Bowden of ESPN. Read more: theScore.
• The Cleveland Indians and manager Terry Francona agreed to a two-year contract extension on Tuesday. Read more: USA Today Sports, Bleacher Report.
• Top News: Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports that the Los Angeles Dodgers will hire Oakland Athletics assistant general manager Farhan Zaidi as the team’s new general manager sometime this week. Zaidi is expected to work under Andrew Friedman, the team’s President of Baseball Operations. Read more: theScore.
• Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli underwent surgery for sleep apnea on Tuesday. Read more: Boston.com.
• The Chicago Cubs are expected to target free agent catcher Russell Martin this offseason. Read more: CBSSports.com, NBCSports.com.
• ESPN’s Buster Olney reports that the Philadelphia Phillies are looking to trade veteran first baseman Ryan Howard. Read more: Philly.com, CBSSports.com.
• Finally, Major League Baseball announced the 2014 award finalists on Tuesday as well as the 2014 Gold Glove winners. Read more: Award finalists- theScore, Gold Glove winners- Bleacher Report, NBCSports.com.

Chris Brown, St. Louis Baseball Today