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.

Latest court filings in rooftop battle paint Cubs execs as snarling bullies  —  Rooftop fans watch the ballgame at Wrigley Field in April 2013.  Rooftop owners, who are fighting the Cubs for the right to maintain their views of the ballpark, allege the Cubs' president of business operations told them, “We control the city.”

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 …

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.

Skipper's desire to win can be traced back to past D-backs Fantasy Camps  —  MLB.com D-backs reporter Steve Gilbert remembers Chip Hale's intensity as a manager at Fantasy Camp as he prepares for his first season  —  PHOENIX — Chip Hale gathered his players together following the loss, the disappointment visible on his face.

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 …

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.

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 …

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.