Vladimir Gutierrez, Top Cuban Pitching Prospect, Leaves Team At Caribbean Series  —  Righthander Vladimir Gutierrez, one of the top young pitching prospects in Cuba, has left the Cuban team at the Caribbean Series in Puerto Rico, along with shortstop Dainer Moreira, Baseball America has learned.

MB Changes Cuban Policy, Yoan Moncada Free To Sign  —  Major League Baseball has changed course and is now allowing teams to sign Cuban players under the “general license” from the Office of Foreign Assets Control, paving the way for Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada and others to be able to sign.

Meet the Matz!  Mets left-handed pitching prospect Steven Matz could be next in line  —  Finally pain-free, Matz has been making up for lost time in rather spectacular fashion the last two years, moving up the organizational ladder quickly and becoming the Mets' most talked-about pitching prospect.

EXCLUSIVE: In first interview since SNY exit, Bobby Ojeda takes jab at Mets GM Sandy Alderson  —  ‘Last I checked, Fred is not the general manager,’ Ojeda said while defending ownership.  ‘Last I checked, Jeff is not the general manager.  Last I checked, Saul is not the general manager.’

Phillies have begun looking at Cody Asche in the outfield  —  Phillies position players aren't required to report to spring training for three more weeks, but Cody Asche is already working out in Clearwater.  —  And he's getting some reps and instruction in left field.

Bunning's not-so-perfect day  —  JIM BUNNING spent the first weekend in December in San Diego, a member of a 16-man committee voting on Golden Era players to be inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame.  Dick Allen needed 12 votes.  He got 11.  —  “I felt useless,” Bunning seethed the other day, his voice crackling with anger.

Vasquez recovering from emergency brain surgery  —  9/11/11: Anthony Vazquez pitches six strong innings, striking out two and giving up two runs against the Royals  —  SEATTLE — Anthony Vasquez beat some long odds once already by reaching the Major Leagues for a brief stint as a starter …

Houston Astros Top 10 Prospects  —  Drafted/Acquired: 1st round, 2012 draft, Puerto Rican Baseball Academy (Gurabo, PR)  —  Previous Ranking: #1 (Org), #5 (Top 101) 2014 Stats: .325/.416/.510 at High-A Lancaster (62 games)  —  The Tools: 7 arm; 6+ potential hit; 6+ potential power; 6 glove