The Red Sox and David Ortiz remain far apart in contract talks, making a salary arbitration case likely, according to a Major League source. The sides have made little progress in negotiations recently, setting up what could be an uncomfortable hearing for the 36-year-old. Boston has offered $12.65 million, while Ortiz has requested $16.5 million.

Yoenis Cespedes expects to be in camp with a Major League team this spring. "We are aware of the (spring-training) dates. We expect him to be in camp with one of the clubs," said the Cuban outfielder's agent.

The Rangers met face-to-face with Roy Oswalt on Monday, according to sources. The meeting was described as exploratory and included Texas general manager Jon Daniels, CEO Nolan Ryan, Oswalt, his wife, Nicole, and agent Bob Garber. A source said only that the meeting was "good." Numerous reports have listed the Cardinals and Rangers as the only teams Oswalt is interested in signing with.

Roy Oswalt is holding out in hopes that someone will pay him $10 million to pitch for the 2012 season. According to a report, the Cardinals offered Oswalt a one-year, $7.5 million deal, but he declined. St. Louis is believed to be trying to free up more money to give Oswalt by trading Kyle McClellan.

The Yankees are in serious talks with Bill Hall about a utility role with the team, according to sources. Hall served as a backup infielder and outfielder for the Red Sox during the 2010 season.

The Phillies have worked out Dmitri Young as they look to add a bat to their bench. Young, on the comeback trail, has lost 75 pounds. He showed quick hands and great footwork on defense, as well as his normal bat speed.

Tim Wakefield says he would like to pitch for the Red Sox for at least one more season before he retires. The 45-year-old made his Major League debut in 1992 and has won 200 games. "I just saw that (Jorge) Posada retired, you know it's something that my wife and I need to talk about," Wakefield said. "I'd probably need to talk about it with my kids, too. Ultimately, I would like to obviously play for the Boston Red Sox for one more year and see where it goes."

The Mets are still looking for a left-handed hitter for their bench as Spring Training nears. The team is looking at Johnny Damon, Raul Ibanez, Rick Ankiel and Kosuke Fukudome, according to a pair of team insiders. At this point, Ankiel and Fukudome appear to be the better fits.

Zack Greinke, who is operating without an agent, remains open to discussing a contract extension with the Brewers. He is entering the final season of a four-year, $38 million contract he signed back in 2009. "I'll talk to them about it," Greinke said when asked about a possible extension. "I don't really want to talk to anyone else about it. But I like the business of baseball. It's exciting for me. It's not like I plan on being my agent, but it is exciting being able to know what's going on behind the scenes."

A number of Major League teams are looking for late additions that will pay dividends this season. Clubs are searching for "tack-on" guys, the ones who "can really make you look good," according to one assistant general manager. Alfredo Aceves was a late addition for the Red Sox last offseason that ended up filling a significant role.