Major Changes Could Come For Cuban Talent  —  The market for Cuban players—and the way that major league teams are able to scout them—could be on the verge of significant overhaul.  —  Mexican League officials are in discussions with the Cuban government to import top Cuban players to play in the Mexican League next season.

Yankees give Sandman a magical sendoff  —  NEW YORK — Mariano Rivera sat all alone at the end of the dugout late Thursday night.  The game was over, the Rays were celebrating their victory on the field and the Yankees had already retreated to the clubhouse.

Thornton on fence for Sox playoff pen  —  Veteran lefty reliever faces stiff competition for AL Division Series roster spot  —  BALTIMORE — Matt Thornton was ahead of the Red Sox on this beard thing.  —  “I started to grow one probably mid-August last year and didn't shave 'til right before spring training,” he said.

His fate may be unclear, but GM Jerry Dipoto plans for Angels' future  —  The general manager looks to bolster a team whose owner is expected to make a decision about him soon.  Meanwhile, Angels fall to the Texas Rangers, 6-5.  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — Angels General Manager Jerry Dipoto addressed …

Mariners hand out Minor League awards  —  SEATTLE — Shortstop Chris Taylor was named Player of the Year, while right-hander Taijuan Walker earned Starting Pitcher of the Year honors as the Mariners announced their annual Minor League awards on Thursday.  —  Right-hander Carson Smith …

Retaining Stanton Miami's priority  —  MIAMI — Speculation continues that the Marlins may be making front office changes after the season.  —  But there are strong indications that the club's top slugger will be part of the team's plans for 2014.  —  Sources say Giancarlo Stanton will remain with the Marlins.

Game of the Day  —  Friday presents a number of excellent pitching matchups as we start the final weekend of the regular season.  In addition, the AL Wild Card and NL Central Championship will be decided this weekend.  —  A.J. Burnett and Homer Baily get the ball rolling as the Pirates …

Phillips: Baseball needs more swag  —  'I'm an entertainer.  I play with passion,' Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips says.  —  It is a Friday afternoon in Pittsburgh.  The Pirates and Reds are preparing for the teams' most anticipated series in more than two decades.  Playoff spots are at stake.

Arizona Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers will look at coaching staff soon after season ends  —  Diamondbacks General Manager Kevin Towers  —  FONT:  —  By Nick Piecoro  —  SAN DIEGO — Changes might be coming to the Diamondbacks coaching staff — and they could be coming right after the season ends.

Robinson Cano Seeking Ten Years, $305MM  —  9:33am: Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that the Yankees' offer to Cano in Spring Training was similar to David Wright's eight-year, $138MM contract with the Mets (Twitter link).  —  Joel Sherman of the New York Post echoes that report …