IF PIRATES SIGN KANG, THEN WHAT?  —  So the Pirates have won the auction for South Korean shortstop Jung-ho Kang.  Well, they've actually won just the auction for the right to negotiate with Kang.  But after bidding $5 million for that right, it's fairly hard to imagine the Corsairs not making an offer Kang can't refuse.

Bullpen, roster flexibility and improved defense key to competing in tough division  —  Indians reporter Jordan Bastian discusses how the signing of Scott Downs could affect the rest of the team's left-handed bullpen pitchers  —  CLEVELAND — From the snow-covered steps of the home dugout …

Club's interim president sees progress with young prospects  —  Pat Gillick presents Tom Kotchman, Jim Walton, Art Stewart, Joe McIlvaine and Jim Marshall with the Legends in Scouting Award  —  READING, Pa. — Pat Gillick offered fans some much-needed candor in the fall when he said the Phillies …

Guillermo Heredia Leaves Cuba  —  Guillermo Heredia, the center fielder on Cuba's 2013 World Baseball Classic team known for his defense, has left the island to pursue a contract with a major league team, Baseball America has learned.  —  Heredia, 23, will be exempt from the international bonus pools …

Yankees radio voice John Sterling loses home in New Jersey fire, feels outpouring of love from friends  —  For reality told Sterling that there is stark uncertainty.  No one plans for moments like these.  Tuesday night he had a roof over his head.  A day later he wasn't so sure.

Indians unveil plans for new concessions  —  Melt Bar and Grilled is one of a handful of local eateries set to take up residence at Progressive Field.  —  CLEVELAND — One of the goals behind the ongoing renovation project at Progressive Field was to find ways to introduce elements of Cleveland neighborhoods within the ballpark.

Thanks A-Rod!  Free agent pitcher James Shields not Yankees plans, partly because big contract is back  —  Alex Rodriguez's contract, among others, preventing the Yankees from making big splash in the pitching market this offseason.  —  In case you held out hope that the Yankees would turn …

Orioles reach agreement with Steve Johnson  —  The Orioles have reached agreement with pitcher Steve Johnson on a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training, allowing the Baltimore native to stay home.  —  Johnson, 27, is rehabbing from surgery in September to remove a bone spur behind his right shoulder.

Rockies notes: Rosario plans, Blackmon trade, Shields rumors  —  TOPICS  —  Catching up on various Rockies rumors and reports:  —  * General manager Jeff Bridich tells me that the team is confident that catcher Wilin Rosario can make the transition from catcher to first base, and possibly even right field.

Sources: MLB to allow minor leaguers to play in Pan American Games  —  FOX Sports  —  Major League Baseball clubs will allow minor league players to participate in the Pan American Games in Toronto this July.  —  MLB-affiliated players who aren't protected on 40-man rosters are expected …

Blue Jays' Winter Tour impacts fans, players  —  The Blue Jays head west to Calgary to visit kids at the Alberta Children's Hospital and meet fans at CrossIron Mills  —  The Toronto Blue Jays kicked off the Calgary leg of Winter Tour 2015 presented by TD on Tuesday, visiting patients …