Why we picked the Cubs to win the 2015 World Series  —  The Cubs finished last in the National League Central last year, losing 89 games.  They have not had a .500 record since 2009, have not been to the playoffs since 2008, have not won a playoff series (or even game) since 2003 …

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.

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.

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

(Getty Images)  —  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, hitting 40 home runs and batting .356 in 117 games.

Bengals' Pacman Jones loses $12.4M judgment appeal in Nevada  —  LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Nevada Supreme Court has upheld an order for Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Adam “Pacman” Jones to pay more than $12.4 million in damages in the shooting of two former Las Vegas strip club doormen, including one left paralyzed during a 2007 melee.

Rooftop owners' suit accuses Cubs of bad faith in Wrigley redevelopment  —  The Chicago Cubs played hardball with Wrigley Field rooftop owners — blocking the historic ballpark views of owners who refused to sell up, while clearing the sightlines from rooftops the Cubs were able to purchase, a lawsuit filed Thursday alleges.

Mets Fan Campaigns Against Team Owner Fred Wilpon  —  Plan Is to Rent Billboards Near Citi Field, Imploring Team's Owners to Sell Franchise  —  About two months ago, a group of disgruntled Jets fans placed several billboards near MetLife Stadium that called for the firing of general manager John Idzik.

Royals announce 2015 minor league coaching staffs/coordinators  —  The Kansas City Royals announced their 2015 minor league staff assignments today, also naming their minor league coordinators for the upcoming season.  —  Affiliates:  —  The leader of the 2014 Triple-A champion Omaha Storm Chasers …

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 …

Rockies reveal 2015 Minor League staff assignments  —  DENVER — Longtime Rockies staff member Duane Espy will fill the newly created post of hitting coordinator, the Rockies announced Thursday as they revealed their Minor League staff assignments for 2015.  —  Espy, entering his 13th season …

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 …