Shohei Ohtani's free agency takes center stage at MLB's GM meetings  —  PHOENIX − The confetti shot into the air at Chase Field has been swept up.  The hundreds of champagne bottles sprayed throughout the visiting clubhouse has finally dried.  The powerful cigar aroma has cleared the air.

JuJu Watkins scores 32 in debut to lead No. 21 USC women past No. 7 Ohio State  —  LAS VEGAS — The JuJu Watkins Era got off to a roaring start.  —  The former Sierra Canyon High star scored 32 points in her college debut, lifting the No. 21 USC women's basketball team to an 83-74 victory …

Among Registered Voters, Trump Tops Biden in Nevada by 11 Points; Georgia by 7; Arizona by 5; Pennsylvania by 4; Michigan by 3; Biden Up in Wisconsin by 3 Points  — If Democrat Other than Biden Runs Against Trump, the Dem Leads in All 6 States: WI by 12 Points; PA by 10; AZ by 8; GA & MI by 7; NV by 3

Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto headed to MLB as transfer OK'd  —  TOKYO — Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be allowed to move to a Major League Baseball team under the player posting system, the Orix Buffaloes said Sunday after the team lost Game 7 of the Japan Series to the Hanshin Tigers.

Earl of Sandwich moving again to make room for Porto's Bakery at Downtown Disney  —  Earl of Sandwich will open a temporary pop-up shop this winter in Downtown Disney's west end near the Star Wars Trading Post.  —  Earl of Sandwich will soon be moving again to another new temporary location …

No. 19 UCLA football falls to Noah Fifita, Arizona  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — No. 19 UCLA left Tucson battered and bruised with a 27-10 loss Saturday night to upstart Arizona.  —  UCLA (6-3 overall, 3-3 Pac-12) lost safety Kamari Ramsey, quarterbacks Ethan Garbers and Dante Moore …

Chicago Cubs hire Craig Counsell to replace manager David Ross, who is out after 4 seasons on the job  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — In a shocking twist, the Chicago Cubs are hiring Craig Counsell as their manager.  —  The Cubs announced Monday they are bringing in the former Milwaukee Brewers manager …

Javier Báez declines to exercise opt-out clause with four years, $98 million on contract  —  Javier Báez will return to the Detroit Tigers in 2024 after he did not exercise the opt-out clause in his contract.  —  Báez, who turns 31 in early December …

White Abarrio captures $6 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita  —  ARCADIA — Trainer Rick Dutrow, Jr. is back winning big races again after saddling White Abarrio for a one-length victory in Saturday's $6 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita.

Another lawsuit against Chicago Blackhawks: Ex-player, ‘Black Aces’ teammate of Kyle Beach alleges 2010 sexual assault by former video coach  —  A former member of the Chicago Blackhawks' “Black Aces” squad and teammate of Kyle Beach has alleged in a lawsuit that former video coach Brad Aldrich …

'There's an end to every story': Joey Votto reflects on his Reds career at end of an era  —  In 2012, Joey Votto was sitting in front of Cincinnati Reds owner Bob Castellini, and they were talking about potential opt-outs in the eventual long-term contract extension he signed.

Guardians name ex-All-Star catcher Stephen Vogt new manager  —  The Cleveland Guardians hired Stephen Vogt as their new manager Monday, tabbing the former All-Star catcher with no managerial experience but who has widespread respect through the game for his knowledge and leadership skills.

Padres' list of finalists for vacant manager's job down to three (plus a possible twist)  —  Padres considering adding recently fired David Ross to trio of Mike Shildt, Ryan Flaherty and Benji Gil  —  Any time now, the Padres will have a new manager.  —  The team has interviewed four candidates …