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 …

Rangers CEO ‘optimistic’ about signing Darvish  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — Rangers CEO Nolan Ryan said he's “optimistic” that his club will sign Yu Darvish before Wednesday afternoon's deadline.  —  “My expectation is that we'll get something done,” said Ryan prior to the Texas Rangers Award Show …

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.

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.

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.

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.