Here is a quick round-up of hot stove news and rumors making their way around MLB:

• This afternoon, the Cleveland Indians declined the 2012 option on center fielder Grady Sizemore, making him a free agent.
• The Indians also acquired RHP Derek Lowe from the Braves in exchange for a minor leaguer. The Braves will absorb all but $5 million of Lowe’s remaining $15 million salary, tweets Buster Olney of ESPN.
• In a post to Twitter, Danny Knobler of CBS sports reports the Braves have excercised the 2012 option on Eric Hinske, but declined their option on center fielder Nate McClouth.
• Dan Hayes of the North County Times says the Padres are likely to offer Heath Bell arbitration.

Lowe was 9-17 with a 5.05 ERA in 34 starts for the Braves last year. He will earn $15 million next season, which is the final year of a four-year, $60 million deal he signed with Atlanta before the 2009 season. In that time, he made at least 32 starts each season.

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By the way, this means every team in the National League East will end up being connected at point some this winter to Jose. Ugh!