Matt Kemp's arthritic hips hold up deal with Padres  —  The San Diego Padres are trying to decide whether to finalize or void their blockbuster trade for Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp after his physical revealed severe arthritis in both hips, a person familiar with the diagnosis told USA TODAY Sports.

Red Sox In Active Trade Talks Regarding Allen Craig  —  The Red Sox are in active trade talks with at least one club regarding first baseman/outfielder Allen Craig, reports Jon Morosi of FOX Sports (on Twitter).  Craig is said to be fully recovered from a painful Lisfranc fracture suffered in his left foot in August, Morosi adds.

How Will MLB Handle Big Changes With Cuba?  —  The next step toward an influx of Cuban players coming to Major League Baseball teams is underway.  On Wednesday, President Barack Obama announced sweeping changes in the United States' Cuban policies, easing trade and travel restrictions …

NATS COULD BE BIG WINNER IN 3-TEAM TRADE OF PADRES GETTING RAYS' MYERS  —  Anyone who rushes to judgment on the Rays-Padres-Nationals megadeal might want to recall the last time Wil Myers was traded.  —  Remember?  —  The Royals were ripped for trading Myers, then one of the game's top hitting prospects …

Angels, Dodgers Complete Drew Butera Trade  —  The Dodgers announced today that they have acquired infielder/outfielder Matt Long from the Angels to complete last week's Drew Butera trade.  However, the team also announced that it has has immediately flipped Long and left-hander Jarret Martin …

Cubs acquire Minor League pitcher, send Ruggiano to M's  —  A 28th-round pick in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, Matt Brazis is 8-6 with 14 saves and a 2.89 ERA in 100 Minor League relief appearances over three seasons.  (Brian McLeod)  —  CHICAGO — The Cubs dealt outfielder Justin Ruggiano …

Royals Sign Kris Medlen  —  The Royals announced that they have signed right-hander Kris Medlen to a two-year deal that contains a mutual option for the 2017 season.  Medlen, who is represented by the Wasserman Media Group, reportedly receives an $8.5MM guarantee.  He'll earn $2MM in 2015 and $5.5MM in 2016.

A Salute to Sy Berger, From a Card-Carrying Fan  —  When you grow up with a singular focus, whatever it is, you may find yourself relating to Will Ferrell's character in “Elf.”  Explaining his eating habits to his new family, the man-child from the North Pole says he sticks to the four main food groups …

A's Acquire Eury De La Rosa, Designate Fernando Rodriguez  —  The Athletics announced that they have acquired lefty Eury De La Rosa from the Diamondbacks in exchange for cash considerations and designated right-hander Fernando Rodriguez for assignment.  —  The 24-year-old De La Rosa …

Braves right fielder should be ready for the start of Spring Training  —  MLB.com Braves reporter Mark Bowman discusses the health status of Nick Markakis, who has been battling with a herniated disc in his neck  —  ATLANTA — Nick Markakis underwent fusion surgery to repair a herniated disk in his neck on Wednesday.

Royals reportedly reach agreement with starting pitcher Edinson Volquez  —  The Royals had three major priorities in the offseason, and they appear to be fulfilled.  —  Edinson Volquez, who went 13-7 in 31 starts for the Pittsburgh Pirates last season, has reached two-year contract agreement …

Source: Giants, Romo finalizing $15M deal  —  The San Francisco Giants are finalizing a two-year, $15 million deal with reliever Sergio Romo, a source confirmed to ESPN.  —  Romo can earn an additional $1 million in bonuses for games finished, a second source familiar with the deal told ESPN.