Austin Kearns returning, Matt Capps on wish list

       A couple of items of note from our Barry Jackson's Buzz column: it looks like Austin Kearns will re-sign with the Marlins. Kearns has agreed to terms on a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training, just as he did last year before working his way onto the Opening Day roster.

       If he makes the club again, Kearns, 33, would serve as a right-handed complement off the bench to Greg Dobbs. While Kearns hit just .245 for the Marlins last season and struggled badly in the second half while battling back and leg injuries, he hit .325 (13 for 40) as a pinch-hitter.

       The Marlins are among a handful of teams interested in free agent reliever Matt Capps to help shore up what is a woefully thin bullpen. Capps recorded 14 saves last season with the Twins, but missed most of the second half with rotator cuff issues. As a result, the Twins declined to pick up his $6 million option.