Morning Marquee: Hall of Fame announcement set for Tuesday

On Tuesday afternoon, the National Baseball Hall of Fame will announce its class for 2015 – which is expected to include, at the very least, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz. On the cusp are Craig Biggio and Mike Piazza – both of whom could very well punch their ticket to Cooperstown this year, as well.

In terms of former Chicago Cubs players, outfielder Sammy Sosa will once again appear on the ballot, but after netting just 7.2 percent of the vote in 2014 – he will almost certainly miss out on being anywhere close to the needed 75 percent. Other notable Cubs on the ballot include former reliever Lee Smith, Fred McGriff, Nomar Garciaparra, Tom Gordon and Cliff Floyd.

The Hot Stove remains on low – with no notable moves coming on Monday. However, the Boston Red Sox did add former St. Louis Cardinals reliever Mitchell Boggs on a minor league deal and reports indicate that right-hander James Shields has a $110 million offer in-hand from a mystery team. Several clubs, including the Toronto Blue Jays and Miami Marlins, are said to be interested only if his price comes down – which seems unlikely.

Here’s more from around the world of Major League Baseball on Hall of Fame Day.

“Cubs to report to camp in mid-February” – Cubbies Crib

“A look at this year’s Baseball Hall of Fame ballot” – Call to the Pen

“Red Sox agree to terms with former Cardinals’ closer” – WEEI

“Market for Shields strong, unpredictable” – FOX Sports

“Cubs’ Spring Training packages already available” – Cubbies Crib