What I'm hearing about the trade market for Dylan Cease  —  In their search for another starting pitcher, the New York Yankees are not simply exploring the top remaining free agents, left-handers Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery.  They also are pursuing trade possibilities …

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.

Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga has lost faith in coach Steve Kerr: Sources  —  After sitting for the final 18 minutes of Thursday night's loss to the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has lost faith in coach Steve Kerr, and the 2021 lottery pick no longer believes Kerr …

Southwest Airlines  —  The Dallas-based carrier flies from Dallas Love Field.

Where Cody Bellinger, Shota Imanaga and the Cubs stand during slow-moving offseason  —  There are too many free agents still out there for Chicago Cubs fans to start wishing for Juan Soto at Wrigley Field next year.  The New York Yankees will have a full season to make their recruiting pitch to Soto …

Teoscar Hernández in?  Masataka Yoshida traded?  Red Sox weighing moves  —  Teoscar Hernández coming?  Masataka Yoshida going?  The turnover in the Red Sox's outfield might not be complete.  According to people with knowledge of their conversations, the team remains engaged …

Plenty of power left on free agent market  —  We tend to spend so much time during the winter talking about the top free agents on the market, but there are dozens of players still looking for jobs as we approach the end of the first week in January.  —  That includes some potentially impactful bats …

D.R. judge orders Wander Franco release as investigation continues  —  A judge on Friday ordered the conditional release of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco while he is investigated for allegations he had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl and gave her mother a car and thousands …

MLB sets date for 2024 trade deadline  —  There are still dozens and dozens (and dozens) of free agents left.  —  But in case you wanted to set your clock for when the drop dead time will be for, say, the Mets to decide if they are dealing Pete Alonso before his free agency …

Trevor Bauer: Did ‘a lot of damage,’ want second shot in MLB  —  Former Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer says he would “love a second opportunity to do things better” and make a return to Major League Baseball after sexual assault allegations halted his career, leading to a long suspension and eventual release from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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.