Heyman: Blue Jays bid $80 million for Encarnacion, remain interested  —  The Jays offered their own star free agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion about $80 million over four years, according to sources, and they remain interested in retaining Encarnacion even after signing free agent hitter Kendrys Morales.

2017 Hall of Fame ballot  —  Former MVPs Rodriguez, Guerrero among 19 newcomers  —  Bagwell, Raines, Hoffman, Schilling Lead Returnees; Results Announced Jan. 18, 2017  —  Two former American League Most Valuable Player Award winners as well as two World Series MVPs are among 19 new candidates …

2016 Rule 5 Draft Preview  —  Projecting who will get picked in the Rule 5 draft is never easy.  No two teams' Rule 5 preference lists are alike because of teams' differing needs, willingness to accept risk and the status of their big league roster.  But talent is talent …

Mozeliak: ‘There was a lot of demand’ for Cecil … Newly signed left-handed relief pitcher Brett Cecil is introduced by Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak during a press conference at Busch Stadium on Monday, Nov. 21, 2016.  Photo by Cristina M. Fletes, cfletes@post-dispatch.com

Sources: Rangers prospects questioned for allegedly sexually hazing underage teammate  —  Eight Texas Rangers prospects were questioned by police in the Dominican Republic after a video showed a group of players sexually assaulting an underage teammate in a hazing incident that targeted players …

Thanks for the Memories, Boston … It's weird when it ends.  It's not how you think it's gonna be.  A couple nights ago, my wife and I were sitting at home, having some drinks.  The kids were in bed.  There was no game tomorrow, no workout.  We were just drinking and laughing.

Season could be done for Bears QB Jay Cutler  —  Photos of Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.  —  The Chicago Bears will have a major decision to make in regards to Jay Cutler at the end of this year — but now the quarterback's 2016 season could be ended prematurely.

Cody Kessler might be shut down awhile with 2nd concussion: 'This is about a young man's future' Hue Jackson says  —  Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler lays on the field after getting hit in the head by Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons in the second half.

Can Orioles catch lightning in a one-year contract?  —  The Orioles aren't coming out and saying that they absolutely need to sign a catcher for 2017.  —  There's still hope that Matt Wieters will return, but I think that has to be considered a longshot given what he'll command financially …

Hal Steinbrenner hints that Yankees will pursue Aroldis Chapman in free agency  —  If you were wondering whether the Yankees were serious about bringing Aroldis Chapman back to New York, Hal Steinbrenner answered that emphatically Wednesday.  —  Speaking to reporters at the owner's meetings in Chicago …