SOURCE: ‘NO TRACTION’ IN RED SOX, OSWALT FIT  —  According to a major league source, there is ‘no traction’ in talks between the Red Sox and free agent pitcher Roy Oswalt.  While there always remains a possibility the two sides could come to an agreement, such a scenario doesn't seem likely at this point.

Orioles have had discussions with Ramirez  —  Duquette describes talks with slugger's agent as ‘exploratory’  —  BALTIMORE — The Orioles have had “exploratory talks” with free-agent slugger Manny Ramirez's agent, executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said on Monday.

Leaner Evan Longoria focused on playing all 162 games for Tampa Bay Rays  —  Third baseman Evan Longoria looks a little different coming into camp this spring.  —  After spending the past two offseasons bulking up in workouts, Longoria is 10 to 15 pounds leaner and considerably looser …

A Note On Access And The Mets  —  I thought I ought to pass along this bit of news, so all of you have a sense of what the blog will and won't be this coming year, and why that is.  —  Since taking over the LoHud Mets Blog in March 2011, I have been credentialed numerous times …

Source: Yanks look at adding bat  —  The New York Yankees are considering adding a left-handed bat, and one of the three most prominent remaining free agents — Raul Ibanez, Johnny Damon or Hideki Matsui — could be on the team within a week, according to a major league source.

Dodgers announce 2012 Spring Training broadcast schedule  —  Regular season on-air talent will call all spring broadcasts  —  The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced their 2012 Spring Training broadcast schedule.  Eighteen of the Dodgers' spring games will be televised in high definition …

Lawsuit: George Brett made false claims  —  IOWA CITY, Iowa — Lawyers are seeking class-action status for a lawsuit that claims Hall of Fame slugger George Brett has been falsely advertising necklaces and bracelets as being able to help improve health and sports performance.

BALL HALL TO ENSRINE STAUB, MELVIN, CORMIER AND TEAM CANADA  —  “La Grand Orange” was the original face of the Montreal Expos  —  St. Marys - The original face of the Montreal Expos, the current mastermind of the uprising Milwaukee Brewers, the legendary lefthander from Moncton, New Brunswick …

Thoughts on Roy O.  —  Update at 1:23: I just talked to Walt Jocketty.  He insists that the Reds have had no recent talks to with Oswalt.  —  ""It's all rumors," he said. “  I'm sick and tired of it.  We've had no serious talks.  We've had no contact with the player.

Source: Yoenis Cespedes granted visa  —  Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes has been granted a visitor's visa to travel from the Dominican Republic to the United States and is likely to meet with the Miami Marlins on Wednesday, a source told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark.

Teen's research brings Negro Leagues to life  —  Boston-area 17-year-old becomes valued friend to former players  —  The first check arrived in the mailbox at Paul Jones' Hamilton, Ohio, address in June of 2010.  —  There it was, in permanent ink: “$833.33.”  —  Proof, finally, of a Negro League past of which few were aware.

Yanks' organization preview, Top 20 Prospects  —  The future success of every Major League team lies largely in its Minor League pipeline.  With that in mind, MLB.com is looking at each team's farm system, from the Top 20 Prospects to under-the-radar types.