Orioles back in trade talks with Pittsburgh Pirates about Travis Snider  —  The Orioles have rekindled their trade talks with the Pittsburgh Pirates to acquire outfielder Travis Snider and are discussing a deal that would send two minor leaguers to Pittsburgh, according to industry sources.

Red Sox, Rangers Swap Anthony Ranaudo, Robbie Ross Jr.  —  Rangers executive vice president of communications John Blake has announced, on Twitter, that Texas has acquired right-hander Anthony Ranaudo from the Red Sox in exchange for left-hander Robbie Ross, Jr.

2015 ranking of all 30 farm systems  —  Cubs, Twins top Keith Law's annual rankings of minor league talent  —  To kick off my look this week at the best prospects in the minor leagues, I've ranked all 30 MLB farm systems from top to bottom, considering only the players who are currently …

Showalter on Duquette and Wieters on his throwing progression  —  The Blue Jays' announcement yesterday that Paul Beeston would return in 2015 as president and CEO shouldn't be viewed as breaking news.  We heard about it as far back as the Winter Meetings.  The team simply was offering confirmation.

Nationals To Sign Casey Janssen  —  The Nationals and right-hander Casey Janssen have agreed to a one-year contract with a mutual option that will guarantee him a total of $5MM, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter).  Janssen is represented by ACES.

MLB, Not OFAC, Is Why Yoan Moncada Can't Sign  —  Major League Baseball, not the United States government, is the reason that Yoan Moncada and several other Cuban players have yet to begin their careers.  —  The U.S. has an embargo against Cuba, which means Cuban nationals must be regarded as …

Phillies Still Talking to Brewers, Jays about Pap  —  The Phillies are still talking to the Brewers and Blue Jays about a Jonathan Papelbon trade.  —  Two sources said this evening that talks are alive, although the seriousness of those discussions is unclear.

Rays broadcaster Staats breaks ribs in boating accident  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Dewayne Staats definitely didn't enjoy this outcome.  —  3 Months Ago 2 Months Ago 2 Months Ago  —  What was supposed to be a fun weekend getaway to the Bahamas turned into a painful experience for the Rays TV broadcaster …

No Spring Training for Baldoquin, etc. ...  Angels fans who want to get an up-close look at Roberto Baldoquin this spring will probably have to walk over to the Minor League side of the Tempe Diablo Stadium complex.  —  The Angels have opted against inviting the 20-year-old Cuban middle infielder …

Miami to introduce 10-time All-Star at news conference Wednesday in Tokyo  —  MLB.com Marlins reporter Joe Frisaro breaks down the Marlins' agreement with veteran outfielder Ichiro Suzuki on a one-year deal  —  MIAMI — Ichiro Suzuki's pursuit of a championship and personal milestones will continue in Miami.

Winter Report Card: New York Mets  —  With little less than four weeks before pitchers and catchers report, we're checking in on how each team has fared in conducting its offseason business while acknowledging that there's still time for its prognosis to change.  Teams will be presented in reverse order of finish from 2014.