Ex-Mariners coach Andy Van Slyke wrong to rip Robinson Cano  —  You could always see where Robinson Cano might become an easy target, especially with those new, $240 million-man expectations.  —  His refusal to bust it down the line on routine outs, which drove Yankee fans crazy …

Angels aren't ruling out pursuit of Heyward  —  JP Morosi  —  The Los Angeles Angels have the American League's 2015 Gold Glove Award winner in right field.  —  How about the National League recipient, too?  —  The Angels aren't ruling out a pursuit of free agent Jason Heyward, sources tell Ken Rosenthal and me.

Dombrowski & Co. will go against form in exploring free agent market  —  As if the challenge facing the Red Sox is not already daunting enough, it's also brand new to the decision makers as well.  —  The Red Sox' need for an elite starting pitcher is acute, which is hardly news.

Rod Carew opens up about his private life and his near-death experience  —  SAN DIEGO — Playing alone at Cresta Verde Golf Course in Corona, Calif. on the sunny Sunday of Sept. 20, Rod Carew hit his drive off the first tee precisely where he drove so many of his 3,053 hits with the Minnesota Twins …

Cuban Second Baseman Omar Estevez Highlight Video  —  Paying $6 million for 17-year-old Cuban second baseman Omar Estevez is a steep price.  That's the bonus the Dodgers agreed to pay Estevez, and because he's subject to the international bonus pools, the Dodgers are going to pay $12 million total …

Marlins drop Tommy Hutton; tons of Dolphins news, notes from Monday  —  In a surprising and upsetting development, the Marlins today dropped TV analyst Tommy Hutton, who did exemplary work for 19 seasons.  —  My breaking of the story on Twitter elicited a flood of comments in support of Hutton —

Tigers Hire Lloyd McClendon As Triple-A Manager  —  Recently dismissed Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon has been named manager of the Tigers' Triple-A affiliate, the Toledo Mud Hens, the team announced today (Twitter link).  McClendon was fired from his post as Seattle's skipper back in early October …

Sources: Tim Lincecum is recovering well, expects to pitch in January showcase  —  Amid the flurry of discussion about all the available top-flight starting pitching, one of the biggest names has slinked under the radar, where he's likely to stay until sometime in January.

Dodgers, looking to upgrade pen, have checked in on Aroldis Chapman  —  The Dodgers thus far have been connected mostly to set-up man extraordinaire Darren O'Day among the bullpen arms, but they've cast a wide net in their search for relief help, and are also considering closers, even the game's most dynamic pen arm Aroldis Chapman.

Brewers prospect recognized for unselfishness, hard work and leadership  —  11/7/15: Brewers prospect Yadiel Rivera makes a terrific barehanded play to retire Chad Pinder in the AFL Fall Stars Game  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Yadiel Rivera of the Brewers had quite the Saturday.

Dodgers Name Dave Roberts Manager  —  NOV. 23: The Dodgers have formally announced the hiring.  In the press release announcing the move, Friedman issued the following statement: … NOV. 22: 11:12pm: The official introductory press conference will be held after the Thanksgiving weekend, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports.

The NHL's Most Valuable Teams  —  Combine lots of playoff hockey and a cash-rich arena with the National Hockey League's biggest market and you get the sport's most valuable franchise.  —  For the first time since 2004 the New York Rangers are the most valuable team in the NHL, worth $1.2 billion.

Hiroshima Carp pitcher Maeda expresses intent to move to MLB  —  Japanese pitcher Kenta Maeda says he wants to play for a team in Major League Baseball next season.  —  Maeda on Tuesday told his Japanese team, the Hiroshima Carp, that he wants to move to the U.S. major leagues through the posting system.

Saturday's MLB hot stove trade and free-agency buzz  —  27m - MLB KEN GILES AROLDIS CHAPMAN BRAD BOXBERGER ANDREW MILLER + more

Lou Brock's message to his fans: 'It's great to be alive'  —  A move from a month-long stay at a local hospital to a rehabilitation center on Thursday marked the first step of Lou Brock's new life.  —  That step, unfortunately, was made without his left foot because his leg had to be amputated …