Cespedes playing in games, for reasons unclear  —  Outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, the talented and sought-after Cuban defector, has joined Aguilas of the Dominican Winter League.  He played Thursday in a round-robin playoff game.  —  Cespedes went -for-3 with three strikeouts and was hit …

Stark: New CBA, luxury tax affecting free-agent market  —  Why the Yankees and Red Sox aren't spending big on free agents this offseason  —  Here's a little offseason quiz for you.  The biggest-name free agent the Yankees have signed this winter from outside their organization was:

Tampa Bay Rays won't limit search for another bat to first basemen  —  Andrew Friedman prefers a deep pool of options.  —  ST. PETERSBURG — With Luke Scott signed and set for everyday duty, the Rays are now focused on adding another hitter to complete the planned upgrade of their offense.

Roy Oswalt on Rangers' radar; Ryan optimistic Darvish will sign  —  ARLINGTON — The Rangers could add two more starting pitchers.  —  As what team president Nolan Ryan labeled promising negotiations with Japanese righthander Yu Darvish continue, the Rangers have also made inquiries …

Report: Police talk to Castro about sex assault  —  Chicago Cubs All-Star shortstop Starlin Castro was questioned by Chicago police Thursday night and into Friday morning over allegations of sexual assault, according to WBBM Newsradio in Chicago.  —  A woman accused Castro, 21 …

Asking Price Drops For Oswalt, Kuroda, Jackson  —  The asking prices for top free agent starters have dropped significantly, ESPN.com's Buster Olney tweets.  Roy Oswalt is said to be asking for $8MM, Hiroki Kuroda's asking for $10-11MM and Edwin Jackson's asking price has also dropped.

Jack Morris in Motion  —  The broadcast is about him from the very first moment: as soon as the CBS logo has disappeared from the screen, the hosts are talking about his postseason success so far in the games leading up to this, Game 7 of the World Series, the biggest night on the grandest stage of his career.

Blaine's Dan Johnson: From major-league spotlight back to shadow  —  Despite many injuries, former Blaine star Dan Johnson has had some big moments in an 11-year baseball career.  But now he's looking for a job.  —  As the events of last Sept. 28 unspooled for baseball fans across the country …

Reynolds to handle hot-corner duties for O's  —  BALTIMORE — Assuming the Orioles don't make any impact corner infielder additions in the next month, Mark Reynolds will head into Spring Training as the team's starting third baseman.  —  While there was thought to keeping Reynolds at first base …

Trey Griffey: The Kid's kid is a different kind of hitter  —  ORLANDO - Keyshawn Johnson spent the morning drilling, grilling and otherwise challenging the collection of top high school wide receivers, but he saved his best shot for last.  —  “He's here because he can't hit the curveball …

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 …