US govt. clears Cuban flamethrower Lopez to sign  —  Cuban right-handed pitching prospect Yoan Lopez has been cleared by the United States government, and he is expected to sign with a Major League team before the start of Spring Training, according to industry an source.

Cano to log short stint in Dominican Winter League  —  11/16/14: Robinson Cano discusses his experience eating Japanese cuisine and talks about the injury to his right foot  —  SEATTLE — Robinson Cano has been granted permission by the Mariners to play a handful of games …

Arizona Diamondbacks GM Dave Stewart: Price too high for catchers via trade  —  On the day the Diamondbacks traded Miguel Montero, General Manager Dave Stewart said finding another catcher was something the club had to do.  But after seeing the cost of catchers on the trade market, Stewart doesn't seem to feel that way anymore.

Kang and Pirates are close to a pact; expected to be four-year deal  —  The Pirates and Korean shortstop Jung-ho Kang are moving close to a deal, sources said.  —  The sides have been talking about a four-year deal for the power-hitting infielder who had a monster year for the Nexen Heroes last year …

Nationals outfielder will be out of action when Spring Training begins  —  MLB.com Nationals reporter Bill Ladson talks about the impact of Jayson Werth's shoulder surgery that could delay the start of his season  —  WASHINGTON — Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth had arthroscopic surgery on his right AC joint Friday.

Reliever shows return of velocity in winter ball  —  6/16/14: Juan Carlos Oviedo forces Manny Machado to pop out, notching the save and securing the Rays' 5-4 victory  —  ARLINGTON — The Rangers acquired a veteran closer that not many people had heard of when they signed right-hander Juan Carlos Oviedo …

Deal between Kalish, Blue Jays falls through  —  Ryan Kalish is returning to free agency after he and the Toronto Blue Jays failed to complete the minor-league contract they agreed to last month.  —  It's unclear why the deal came apart.  The outfielder appeared in 57 games with the Chicago Cubs …

Mets' Flynn elected to Groundskeepers HOF  —  Pete Flynn is hugged by manager Terry Collins after Flynn threw out the ceremonial first pitch before a game in 2011.  —  NEW YORK — Major League Baseball's groundskeepers have elected longtime Mets employee Pete Flynn to the MLB Groundskeepers Hall of Fame, the team announced on Friday.

Acquiring left-hander could make St. Louis an early World Series favorite  —  Could Cards look to add starter?  —  MLB.com Cardinals reporter Jenifer Langosch looks at whether the health of their starters could cause them to add depth to their rotation  —  If the Cardinals add Cole Hamels …

2015 Milwaukee Brewers Top 10 Prospects  —  Want More?  Complete 2015 Top 10 Prospects Rankings  —  Get it all: Subscribe to Baseball America  —  Go 30 deep: Order the 2015 Prospect Handbook!  —  The Brewers' record stood at 73-58 on Aug. 25, and they led the National League Central …

Foul Territory Blog  —  Joey Gallo was named the Texas Rangers Minor League Tom Grieve Player of the Year after hitting 42 home runs in 126 games with Class A Myrtle Beach and Double A Frisco.  It was Texas minor league record.  Gallo, 21, also had 106 RBIs while batting .271