Keith Law's 2018 top 100 prospects: Nos. 100-51  —  If you're not going for it in today's MLB environment, you're — well, let's not use the T-word and just go with “developing.”  Teams that build from their farm system, through the draft, the international market and trades of veterans for prospects …

Todd Frazier gives thumbs up to ‘Thumbs Down Guy’ as the two finally meet  —  Todd Frazier is still giving the thumbs down, this time with the guy who started the craze.  —  Frazier and Gary Dunaier, aka “Thumbs Down Guy,” finally met one another on Saturday at Steiner Sports …

Efficiency is the goal for Cashman, Epstein and Friedman  —  When Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has an idea for a trade, one of his staffers related the other day, he will wait days before raising the concept with the other team.  In the interim, he and his staff will deliberate …

La Russa says reliever Leone ‘very useful’ when healthy  —  New Cardinals right-handed reliever Dominic Leone has had success at two previous stops in his career, Seattle and Toronto.  —  “The one place he didn't pitch very well was Arizona,” said John Mozeliak, the Cardinals' president …

Hall of Fame countdown: Chipper Jones a worthy addition to third base fraternity  —  USA TODAY Sports is counting down the top 24 candidates on the 2018 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot, based on voting by our power rankings panel, which includes five Hall voters.  —  No. 2 Chipper Jones

Top 100 MLB Prospects 2018  —  Baseball America's Top 100 MLB Prospects is the natural demarcation between one season to another.  —  Countless conversations with scouts, coaches and team officials as well as many road trips over the past year lead to this list.

A year after his death, Yordano Ventura's unsettled affairs still linger  —  LAS TERRENAS, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC  —  The grave of late Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura rests a few hundred feet from the seashore.  —  Everyone in this town on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic seems to know its location.

Brewers Reportedly Close To Making Trade  —  There's “buzz” that the Brewers are closing in on a trade, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reports.  Crasnick doesn't offer any details about an exact trade partner or players involved, though he notes that the Brewers have been discussing outfielders with multiple teams (Twitter link).

Brian Cashman prepared to go with rookies at third and second if necessary  —  The Yankees are committed to getting under the luxury-tax threshold, making high-priced additions unlikely.  —  First things first.  —  The Yankees still intend to get below the luxury-tax threshold in 2018 …

In crazy off-season, could something crazy still happen for Rangers?  —  ARLINGTON  —  Fan Fest traditionally serves as the kick off to another Texas Rangers season, and before any of those who attended Saturday's festivities know it, spring training will be upon them.

Michael Pineda introduced to Twins fans, still recovering from Tommy John surgery  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Michael Pineda is hard to miss, even when he's not throwing 95 mph fastballs.  The Minnesota Twins won't witness any of those heaters for a while, but they're still pleased to have the 6-foot-7 right-hander in-house until he's ready.

Red Sox Notes: Roster, Swihart, Pomeranz, Protective Netting  —  Recent comments from Red Sox GM Dave Dombrowski hint that the front office would feel confident going into the 2017 season with the pieces they have in the fold right now.  But Evan Drellich of NBC Sports Boston isn't convinced at all.