Lakers coach Darvin Ham's standing in question amid locker room disconnect: Sources  —  LOS ANGELES - Following their ninth loss in 12 games, the Los Angeles Lakers have hit a new nadir in their season, amplifying concerns about the direction of the season from both inside and outside the organization.

Where MLB free agency, trades stand entering 2024  —  Every MLB offseason evolves at its own pace, and this winter, that tempo is slow.  It's not just slow for a specific subset of free agents.  It's slow for the nine-figure guys, slow for outfield bats, slow for relief pitchers.

Yankees in danger of losing Jordan Montgomery, other top rotation upgrades, source predicts  —  It was only a few weeks ago the Yankees were optimistic about bolstering their rotation with the best starter on the free-agent market.  They badly wanted Yoshinobu Yamamoto and felt …

The inside story of the Patriots' fall to rock bottom in the Bill Belichick era  —  In the wake of their 2022 season, the Patriots believed they were rebounding.  —  The days of dysfunction, an ill-conceived offense, players questioning coaches' tactics and quarterbacks melting down were over.

D.R. prosecutors present Wander Franco case; judge to rule Friday  —  SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Dominican prosecutors on Wednesday accused Wander Franco of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering following allegations that the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop had a relationship …

Braves sign newly acquired Chris Sale to 2-year, $38M extension  —  The Atlanta Braves have signed left-hander Chris Sale to a two-year, $38 million contract extension, the team announced Thursday, restructuring his deal in the wake of his trade from the Boston Red Sox last week.

The Best Places to Sip Booze-Free Mocktails During Dry January  —  Skip the tonic water with lime. … We've made it through the holidays, and the time known as Dry January is upon us.  Whether or not you partake in the month-long reprieve from alcohol, the rise of zero-proof spirits …

Rangers still in play for free agents Jordan Montgomery, Josh Hader  —  With progress made on the Rangers' local TV situation — word is, they may get a one-time payment of about $90M — they seem likely to be back in play for Jordan Montgomery.  A reunion always made sense since Montgomery is their Astros killer.

Detroit Tigers re-sign Andrew Vasquez to minor-league contract with spring training invite  —  Left-handed reliever Andrew Vasquez is returning to the Detroit Tigers for the 2024 season.  —  The 30-year-old, who threw 81.8% sliders and limited hard contact last season …

Yamamoto's contract with Dodgers includes 2 opt outs, but timing depends on elbow health  —  Yoshinobu Yamamoto will have two opportunities to opt out of his record $325 million, 12-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, although the timing is tied to his pitching elbow's health.

2024 MLB International Prospects: Top 50 Bonus Board  —  Baseball America's International Bonus Board lines up the players expected to sign for the top 50 bonuses in the 2024 class, with scouting reports and the expected signing team for every player.  —  Players on the board are sorted in order of their expected signing bonus.

A stroke took Charlie Manuel's words away.  Baseball is giving them back  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — When Charlie Manuel began to speak again, he could not talk.  It had been five days since his stroke.  His heart was better.  He'd regain the feeling in his right side with time.