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.

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 …

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.

Miami Marlins have not changed stance on Fielder; Cepedes remains top target  —  In spite of the buzz out there about owner Jeffrey Loria meeting Scott Boras, who represents unsigned free agent Prince Fielder, the Marlins' position on the slugging first baseman has not changed.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …