Why don't wins count anymore?  —  Of all the many mysteries surrounding our national pastime, none is more baffling than the rather peculiar obsession by so many who profess a love of baseball who repeatedly try to turn this wonderfully simple game into a mind-numbing, highfalutin' brain twister.

Sabean: Bay and Holliday unlikely  —  Tim Lincecum's live press conference just ended.  Afterward, we talked to GM Brian Sabean, who said he has not contacted agents for the two big hitters on the free-agent market, Matt Holliday or Jason Bay, and does not expect to either.

Luis Castillo's fate key to offseason moves for New York Mets  —  It's day 16 after the Yankees won the World Series, which means the Mets finally can begin bidding on free agents and reestablishing their relevance.  That, or begin frustrating their fans anew.

Cubs explore Bradley deal that would net Castillo  —  The Cubs continue trying to find ways to move Milton Bradley in packages that would bring them second baseman Luis Castillo from the Mets.  The latest, according to sources, is a three-team deal with the Rangers that would send send …

Chien-Ming Wang interested in the Dodgers  —  Yankees pitcher Chien-Ming Wang, a non-tender candidate, told Taiwanese reporters Thursday that his first choice was to remain with New York.  But if the Yankees cut him loose, Wang said he would not be opposed to going to the Dodgers.

Five questions that will define offseason  —  Thoughts on how Red Sox will fill key holes as they build for 2010  —  What follows are their answers:  —  Gammons: In the end, I think they will re-sign Bay, for somewhere in the four year, $64 million range.  It's difficult to read who will compete with them.

Rockies Atkins awaiting “another team”  —  Clint Barmes represents the future, the Rockies initiating discussions on a multiyear contract this week.  —  Garrett Atkins represents the past, though the Rockies will not release him today when 40-man rosters are set, providing additional time to work out a trade.

Ranking the top free agents (Nos. 1-10)  —  STAY AHEAD OF THE GAME Become an Insider Today … Who's better: Jason Bay, Matt Holliday or John Lackey?  And where do the Cubans fit in?  For Keith Law's free-agent rankings and scouting reports, you must be an ESPN Insider.

Sources: Braves finding it tough to shop Lowe  —  Braves right-hander Derek Lowe turns 37 on June 1.  He is guaranteed $15 million in each of the next three seasons.  And he had a 6.65 ERA in his final nine starts.

Houston Astros Top 10 Prospects  —  Houston Astros … Want to build a farm system overnight?  One glance at Baseball America's organization talent rankings suggests a proven template.  —  The Rangers went from 28th entering 2007 to fourth in 2008 to first in 2009, getting a boost …

Heilman dealt for two prospects  —  Cubs receive pitcher Maine, infielder White from D-backs  —  CHICAGO — The Cubs dealt right-handed reliever Aaron Heilman to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday for two Minor League prospects.  —  Heilman, 31, was 4-4 with a 4.11 ERA in 70 games in his only season in Chicago.

Strasburg hurts knee, out of Saturday's AFL title game [UPDATED]  —  Stephen Strasburg, the Nationals' prized pitching phenom, twisted his left knee while shagging flies during batting practice before the Phoenix Desert Dogs' regular season finale in the Arizona Fall League on Thursday …

Dodgers won't be pursuing John Lackey  —  Despite needing help in the pitching rotation, the club isn't looking to sign the veteran ace.  President Dennis Mannion rules out ‘any outlandish-type decisions.’  —  Dodgers President Dennis Mannion said the team isn't planning to pursue free-agent pitcher John Lackey.

Coop tells pitchers it's time to raise the bar  —  Team captain Paul Konerko made the saying popular in the White Sox clubhouse back in 2008: “F feelings, it's about winning.”  —  Not only has manager Ozzie Guillen made that his personal mantra, but wants his entire organization to eat and sleep it.

Re-signing their own Astros' priority  —  Club has fewer resources for free agency than past years  —  HOUSTON — When it comes to the big names of the free-agent market this offseason, don't expect to see the likes of Matt Holliday or John Lackey spending time looking for real estate …