Robert Kraft tells CNN he wants Tom Brady to sign a one-day contract and retire as a New England Patriot  —  New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft told CNN on Thursday that he wants Tom Brady to sign a one-day contract and officially retire as a Patriot.  —  “Not only do I want it, our fans are clamoring for it,” Kraft said.

MLB farm system rankings: Keith Law ranks all 30 teams on prospects, Dodgers stay No. 1  —  As part of my prospect rankings, I rank all 30 major-league teams' farm systems, with a brief explanation of why they're in this order — although I think you'll get an even clearer picture of each …

Knicks escape with a 106-104 victory against surging Heat without Jalen Brunson  —  Not even facial recognition could see that coming.  —  Without an ill and inactive Jalen Brunson, the Knicks held off the surging Miami Heat despite bumbling and stumbling through the final minute of a 106-104 victory at MSG.

Magic enter matchup at Timberwolves more confident after series with 76ers  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Considering the quality of the opponent, the Orlando Magic have had a strong start to their four-game road trip.  —  The Magic (20-32) split their mini-series with the 76ers in Philadelphia …

Jacque Vaughn's plan without Kevin Durant is working  —  Jacque Vaughn stuck to the plan, and the Nets are reaping the benefits.  —  Immediately after Kevin Durant went down with an MCL sprain on Jan. 8, Vaughn said the team would need to play with more pace and shoot more threes.

Twins appear content to keep Max Kepler with the season rapidly approaching  —  Whereas it seemed like a strong possibility two months ago, the probability of the Twins trading Max Kepler has been significantly reduced.  Even with a roster full of similar players, the Twins appear content to keep Kepler.

Dodgers' Stan Kasten: Cutting Trevor Bauer ‘right decision’  —  LOS ANGELES — Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten said the organization's principal decision-makers were “unanimous” in their choice to release Trevor Bauer, expressing confidence that the team “made the right decision.”

Orioles to decline 5-year Camden Yards lease extension, say new long-term agreement would revitalize stadium district  —  The Orioles will decline an option to extend their Camden Yards lease by five more years, planning instead to secure a longer-term, more comprehensive stadium agreement …

Cubs notes: Matt Mervis' role, post-Dexter Fowler teams, closer's job, prospects  —  Trey Mancini intended to play for Italy in the World Baseball Classic next month ... until the Cubs finalized Mancini's two-year, $14 million contract and both sides agreed that it made more sense for him to spend …

Another late turnover on an inbounds pass seals the Chicago Bulls' latest head-scratching loss  —  ExpandAutoplay  —  1 of 21  —  Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) is congratulated by teammate Norman Powell (24) after Leonard hit a 3-pointer while being fouled by Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan …

Ex-girlfriend alleges Mets outfielder assaulted her in Syracuse; warrant, lawsuit target player  —  A woman is alleging that a New York Mets outfielder physically and verbally abused her in Syracuse last year.  —  Khalil Lee, 24, is named in a warrant issued by Syracuse police …

What does groundhog Punxsutawney Phil say about winter's blast?  —  PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. — A furry critter in a western Pennsylvania town has predicted six more weeks of winter during an annual Groundhog Day celebration.  —  People gathered Thursday at Gobbler's Knob as members of Punxsutawney Phil's …