Cespedes to play in D.R. while waiting on MLB  —  Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes will play with Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Republic winter league while waiting to be declared a free agent to sign with a MLB team.  —  Cespedes is scheduled to make his professional debut on Thursday …

Theo Epstein talks decision to join Cubs, Carl Crawford, compensation and all things Red Sox collapse  —  Theo Epstein called the Red Sox situation “completely repairable.”  —  The Cubs president also said regarding Manny Ramirez, “I don't think it's a good fit for us.”

Brewers avoid arbitration with Parra  —  After missing 2011 season, lefty agrees to one-year deal  —  MILWAUKEE — The Brewers and left-hander Manny Parra struck an agreement on a one-year contract Thursday, avoiding arbitration.  —  Parra did not pitch in the Major Leagues in 2011 …

Mets' Wilpon: 'I Think We'll Be Fine'  —  PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz.—Back in New York, he faces heavy debt, staggering losses and a potentially crippling lawsuit.  But here, at a lavish mountainside resort, Fred Wilpon was at peace.  —  The embattled Mets owner smiled broadly Thursday …

Selig's contract extension approved by owners  —  PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — A two-year contract extension for Commissioner Bud Selig was approved on Wednesday by Major League Baseball's executive council, setting up Thursday's confirmation vote by the full ownership.

Hopeful Mets see Johan's tank as half-full  —  Left-hander sets sights on healthy return in Spring Training  —  NEW YORK — Relinquishing his air-conditioned quarters in favor of a sweltering September afternoon, Mets manager Terry Collins trudged down to Sun Life Stadium's visitors' bullpen in Miami, eager for the spectacle to begin.

Hey, While We're At It, Can We Kick Mickey Mantle Out Of Cooperstown?  —  MLB.com's Terence Moore is already giving us a preview of his 2013 ballot ... and beyond.  For 2013, Moore is absolutely not going to vote for Barry Bonds or Roger Clemens, and is willing to consider Curt Schilling …

Josh Macciello wants the Dodgers  —  Is this underdog in the Dodgers bidding process for real?  Could be  —  ESPNLosAngeles.com  —  STUDIO CITY, Calif. — Josh Macciello lives about where you would expect a guy who says he wants to buy the Dodgers would live.

A couple of years later and many pounds lighter, “Da Meat Hook” making a comeback … Dmitri Young began toying with the idea of a comeback on a sun-splashed afternoon in Cooperstown, N.Y., last June, after dominating the proceedings against a bunch of fellow baseball geriatrics in the annual Hall of Fame Classic.

Manny Ramirez: I'll be a role model … Early last season, Manny Ramirez abruptly retired from baseball after a second violation of baseball's performance-enhancing drug rules, choosing to walk away from the game rather than serve a 100-game suspension.  —  Now, Ramirez wants to land a tryout …

Twins Sign Venezuelan Righthander Mauricio Silva  —  The Twins have signed 16-year-old Venezuelan righthander Mauricio Silva for $370,000.  —  Silva is 6-foot-2, 190 pounds and was considered one of the more promising Latin American pitching prospects among players who became eligible to sign on July 2 …

Source: Cubs, Kerry Wood close to deal  —  The Chicago Cubs and pitcher Kerry Wood are close on a one-year deal with an option for 2013, according to a source familiar with the situation.  —  Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein was hopeful on Wednesday that the team would re-sign Wood …

Vogelsong, Giants agree to 2-year, $8.3M deal  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Ryan Vogelsong and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a two-year contract worth approximately $8.3 million after he became one of the team's most reliable starters and an unlikely All-Star last season.