Ortiz says Sox need to power up  —  He seems to think pleas went unheeded last year  —  David Ortiz is among the players the Red Sox want to report in better shape next spring.  (Aram Boghosian/For The Globe)  —  David Ortiz suggested around this time last year that the Red Sox needed more power in their lineup.

Johnson wanted four-year deal  —  There will be no long-term contract for pitcher Josh Johnson with the Florida Marlins this winter, his agent said Friday.  —  Agent Matt Sosnick told ESPN.com that negotiations between the Marlins and Johnson have reached an “impasse,” and Johnson expects to play under a one-year deal in 2010.

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 …

Seven added to 40-man roster  —  The Yankees added seven players to the 40-man roster this afternoon in preparation for December's Rule 5 draft.  —  RHP Hector Noesi  —  RHP Ivan Nova  —  RHP Romulo Sanchez  —  INF Reegie Corona  —  INF Eduardo Nunez  —  INF Kevin Russo  —  OF Austin Jackson

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 …

11/20 Cubs & Blue Jays talk re: Halladay  —  The Cubs are one of the teams the Blue Jays have contacted regarding pitcher Roy Halladay.  However, before Cubs fans start salivating at the prospect of the former Cy Young winner in the rotation with Ted Lilly, Carlos Zambrano, and Ryan Dempster, there's a catch.

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.

Pirates Claim Chris Jakubauskas Off Waivers from Seattle  —  The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced they have claimed right-handed pitcher Chris Jakubauskas off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.  To make room on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Jeff Karstens has been designated for assignment.

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.

Ackley to try second base in January  —  Mariners want outfield prospect to attempt new position  —  Dustin Ackley will start in left field for the Peoria Javelinas in Saturday's Arizona Fall League championship game against the Phoenix Desert Dogs, but the Mariners are going to work him out at second base …