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 …

Shohei Ohtani dominates the conversation at the MLB GM Meetings  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Everywhere you looked, every place you turned, everything you heard, and all you could imagine Tuesday, was all about Shohei Ohtani.  —  Ohtani was nowhere in sight.  His agent, Nez Balelo, wasn't available.

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 …

11-7 Bruce Bochy joins Murph and Mac to compare his World Series win with the Rangers to his 2010 World Series victory with the Giants, and says why Bob Melvin was a great hire  —  Bruce Bochy joins Murph and Mac to compare his World Series win with the Rangers to his 2010 World Series victory …

Astros making slow progress but 'feel like we're getting closer' in manager search  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Major League Baseball's managerial makeover on Monday afternoon did not disturb the Astros' deliberate search for Dusty Baker's successor.  Houston had interest in Craig Counsell …

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

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

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 …