The Mariners finally are close to the team their GM envisioned  —  It took nine trades in two months.  But the Mariners finally are close to what general manager Jerry Dipoto envisioned when he took over in Sept. 2015.  —  Dipoto, after inheriting a group of plodding sluggers …

Comparing the Rapsado Baseball Device to Other Pitch Trackers  —  Our fascination with tracking pitches began with measuring their velocity, over 100 years ago.  The first attempt, in 1912, involved a chronograph, a shooting range, Nap Rucker and Walter Johnson.

Moore says righty will battle for No. 5 spot in K.C. rotation  —  KANSAS CITY — The Royals on Friday traded outfielder Jarrod Dyson to the Mariners for right-handed starter Nathan Karns.  —  Royals general manager Dayton Moore said Karns, 29, will compete for the club's No. 5 spot in the rotation.

Wild-Card Weekend: ‘It Must Be Scary Sight to Watch Us’  —  Plus more on Odell, coaching notes and a divisional preview  —  The NFL's cream of the crop rises to the top  —  The MMQB's Peter King reacts to the NFL's Wild-Card Weekend.  —  So this is tricky.

Israel trip a respite for rehabbing Reds pitcher Jon Moscot  —  If there's a common complaint among those who have undergone ulnar collateral ligament replacement surgery, it's the monotony of the rehabilitation process.  —  While UCL replacement surgery, better-known as “Tommy John surgery …

Dan Duquette On Trumbo, Hammel, Bautista  —  Orioles executive VP of baseball operations Dan Duquette joined Jim Bowden and Jim Duquette of MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM to discuss his team's offseason plans.  Here's a partial audio link to the interview, as well as other details from Jim Duquette's Twitter account (links here).

Rockies GM Jeff Bridich made it clear to me that he is hoping to extend Carlos Gonzalez and the feeling is apparently mutual.  Gonzalez is on his free agent year and although he's lost a step he's still an above average defender and a solid middle of the order presence.

Nick Caserio declined to interview with 49ers  —  As the 49ers continue to search for a new General Manager, they'll have one less option available to them.  —  Per multiple sources, Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio ultimately declined an opportunity to interview for the job.

What the Hawks seek in a Paul Millsap trade  —  Seven days.  —  That's as long as you had to wait in 2017 for an NBA trade to be consummated ... provided Cleveland and Atlanta seal their Kyle Korver deal later Saturday as planned.  —  NBA Trade Season, in other words …

Royals Sign Chris Withrow, Al Alburquerque, Brandon League To Minor League Deals  —  The Royals have signed veteran righties Chris Withrow, Al Alburquerque and Brandon League to minor league deals with Spring Training invites, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com writes (Twitter links).

MLB's tracking technology puts McCutchen, Marte and Polanco's play under microscope  —  PITTSBURGH — How did Andrew McCutchen stack up among center fielders last year?  What makes Starling Marte such an elite defender?  How is Gregory Polanco developing in the outfield?