Can cash-strapped Cubs solve need for late-game relief?  —  LAS VEGAS — If you're still looking for the Chicago Cubs to go swimming in the deep end of the free-agent pool, you may have to wait for another offseason.  Once again, the front office more than intimated that it won't be spending the big bucks this winter.

Giants' Zaidi plans to meet with agent for Harper, Kikuchi  —  LAS VEGAS — As a Giants contingent led by new baseball operations chief Farhan Zaidi walked through the winter-meetings hotel Monday, the group ran into agent Scott Boras and his staff.  Fortunately for all involved, a Jets-versus-Sharks confrontation did not occur.

Free agent reliever Adam Ottavino: ‘I would strike Babe Ruth out every time’  —  Free agent reliever Adam Ottavino certainly isn't selling himself short this winter.  —  In an interview on MLB.com's Statcast Podcast, Ottavino said that Babe Ruth would struggle in the modern game.