Wilpons should be honest and look ahead to 2011  —  Going after free agents can't change Mets' dire situation.  —  Photo credit: Craig Ruttle |  Omar Minaya should have a blank check from owner Jeff Wilpon, right, but can the Mets actually sign any difference-makers?

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 …

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.

Discussion: Derek Lowe's Value  —  Braves righty Derek Lowe makes for an interesting discussion topic.  Lowe is owed $45MM over the next three years, and is widely known to be on the trading block.  The Braves seem unwilling to eat significant salary.  There are arguments on both sides of the fence as to Lowe's value.

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.

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.

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.

Royals ink Campillo to Minors deal  —  Righty missed most of 2009 with shoulder tendinitis  —  KANSAS CITY — Right-hander Jorge Campillo, a World Baseball Classic teammate of Kansas City closer Joakim Soria, has signed a Minor League contract for 2010 with the Royals.

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 …

The ultimate free-agent tracker  —  Here is the free-agent class of 2009-10, ranked from Nos. 1 to 131.  The rankings are based on a number of variables, including each player's history, age and potential, and are as much about predicted performance as market value, providing a general outline …

Brewers taking a look at Halama  —  Former big league lefty playing in Dominican Republic  —  MILWAUKEE — The Brewers told John Halama's agent that they will have a scout in the stands for the former big league left-hander's start in the Dominican Republic on Friday night …

Create your own team of free agents  —  Here's a fun exercise to kill some time at work today before the weekend: Create a team out of the free agents on the market.  —  Now that the free agents are able to negotiate with any team out there, theoretically a wretched team like the Royals …

Sky Andrecheck>INSIDE BASEBALL  —  Behind the Scoreboard: Inequities of the free-agent ranking system … In most industries, being ranked among the top 20 percent of performers would be an honor, and you would be in line for a raise.  Not in Major League Baseball.