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.

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 …

BREAKING: Oregon wide receiver Darren Carrington suspended for national title game  —  Your browser does not support iframes.  —  DALLAS - Oregon redshirt freshman wide receiver Darren Carrington failed a NCAA administered drug test and did not make the trip to Texas for Monday's national title game …

(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.

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

Sources: Gang members tried to rob Warriors' Speights  —  SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - Police sources tell KTVU that a member of the Golden State Warriors had a gun pulled on him this week outside a nightclub in San Francisco.  —  Center Marreese Speights was at the Cellar Night Club on Sutter Street downtown early Monday morning.

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.

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 …

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