Rob Manfred questions whether San Diego Padres can sustain their huge payroll in small market  —  PHOENIX — The economic disparity in baseball is starting to become an alarming concern among owners, with commissioner Rob Manfred questioning Wednesday whether teams like the San Diego Padres …

MLB plans to emphasize enforcement of balks as changes kick in  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Major League Baseball plans to emphasize enforcement of the balk rule in 2023 as it implements sweeping rules changes, including a pitch clock that will place more focus on the arcane rule, league officials said Tuesday.

Chicago Bulls — without the injured DeMar DeRozan — need a spark to end 4-game skid: 'We're just getting stagnant'  —  INDIANAPOLIS — The Chicago Bulls are in a rut.  That was clear enough from their four-game losing streak in which they topped 100 points only once …

Cavaliers, Kevin Love finalizing contract buyout; Heat to emerge as suitor: Sources  —  The Cleveland Cavaliers and Kevin Love are finalizing a contract buyout, with the Miami Heat expected to emerge as a suitor for the five-time All-Star should the sides finalize parting ways, league sources tell The Athletic.

Chicago Cubs are talking like contenders.  So let's hold them accountable if they don't improve this year.  —  ExpandAutoplay  —  1 of 85  —  Ron Coomer, left, moderates as Cubs manager David Ross, from second left, first base coach Mike Napoli, third base coach Willie Harris …

Yankees' Frankie Montas to undergo shoulder surgery, could miss entire season  —  On the day pitchers and catchers report to spring training, the Yankees are already down a starter.  Frankie Montas will undergo surgery on his right shoulder and could miss the entire 2023 season, manager Aaron Boone revealed.

Inland boys athlete of the week: Marquis Bradley, Ontario Christian  —  The Inland boys athlete of the week:  —  Name: Marquis Bradley  —  School: Ontario Christian  —  Sports: Basketball  —  Year: Sophomore  —  Noteworthy: Bradley, a 5-foot-11 guard, averaged 24 points, seven rebounds …

San Gabriel Valley Boys Athlete of the Week: Andrew Mora, Sierra Vista  —  Mora struck out 12 of the 15 batters he faced while throwing a five-inning perfect game against El Monte.  —  San Gabriel Valley Boys Athlete of the Week  —  Name: Andrew Mora  —  School: Sierra Vista  —  Sport: Baseball

Mike Trout plans to spend season persuading free-agent to be Shohei Ohtani to stay with Angels  —  TEMPE, Ariz. - Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout answered questions for nearly 15 minutes Wednesday morning, and all but about 12 seconds, it seemed, was spent talking about Shohei Ohtani.

Six biggest questions for MLB spring training: New Braves, Yankees shortstops?  —  Pity the ballclub that relies too heavily on spring training to evaluate its roster.  —  No, most teams have a strong idea what their regular season club will look like when pitchers and catchers report …

With rebuild in rearview mirror, the young Orioles are 'excited to see what we've got' with eye on playoffs  —  After the trade deadline in August, when Mike Elias, the Orioles' executive vice president and general manager, said “it's liftoff from here” and suggested significant free-agent additions …

Heat's Tyler Herro receives invitation to All-Star 3-point contest, but out vs. Nets  —  NEW YORK — Amid the teams' 3-point struggles this season the Miami Heat apparently still have fans in the NBA office.  —  Or at least guard Tyler Herro does.  —  Despite ranking 76th in the league …