Two Cubans playing in Caribbean Series defect  —  SAN JUAN, P.R. - Two players from the Cuban team competing in the Caribbean Series have defected, according to a tournament official.  —  The official, who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the Cuban federation …

Derek Jeter reached on-deck circle while examining Bills purchase, sources say  —  You almost can hear late Yankee Stadium public-address announcer Bob Sheppard proclaiming the man's arrival every Sunday in Orchard Park.  —  Now owning the Buffalo Bills ... the former shortstop ... No. 2 ... Derek Jeter.

Cleveland Browns and GM Ray Farmer facing possible suspension, fine, loss of draft pick for ‘Textgate’  —  Browns general manager Ray Farmer could possibly be suspended for the first several games of the 2015 season for improper texting during games.  (Tony Dejak)

Obama throws curveball at team owners  —  President Barack Obama is using his budget to take on some of the most loathed people in sports — team owners threatening to bolt town if taxpayers don't help build a new stadium — and it could put Republicans in a tough spot.

Health issues, offseason turmoil of late '14 in rearview mirror for Cubs shortstop  —  8/30/14: Starlin Castro launches a solo home run to deep left off Justin Masterson, giving the Cubs a four-run lead in the 5th inning  —  MESA, Ariz. — Starlin Castro is healthy.

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.

As Wrigley Field Is Rebuilt, the Curious Take a Look  —  CHICAGO — The funeral procession for Ernie Banks stopped at Wrigley Field last Saturday, offering the venerable Cubs shortstop one last trip to the stadium he helped nickname the Friendly Confines.  Banks, a Hall of Fame player …

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.’

Rangers Sign Ryan Ludwick To Minor League Deal  —  The Rangers have agreed to sign outfielder Ryan Ludwick to a minor league deal with a spring invite, executive VP of communications John Blake announced on Twitter.  Ludwick can earn $1.75MM if he makes the big league roster out of camp …

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.