Adrian Gonzalez promises not to be a problem in Mets clubhouse, plans to work with Dominic Smith  —  Adrian Gonzalez will not be a clubhouse problem with the Mets.  The veteran first baseman, who signed a one-year deal with the team, did not deny reports that former Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine …

Pitch clock, fewer mound visits might go ahead without MLBPA approval  —  Pace-of-game talks between Major League Baseball and the players' association have stalled, increasing the likelihood that baseball will unilaterally implement new rules in advance of the 2018 season, a source told ESPN on Thursday.

Rangers' stars, past and present, available at Fan Fest — except for the biggest  —  The Texas Rangers FanFest schedule for Saturday at Globe Life Park includes just about every current player and some of the biggest names in club history.  Autograph hounds will have a chance …

Twins hire ex-pitcher Jim Kaat as special assistant  —  MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins have hired former starting pitcher Jim Kaat as a special assistant to the organization.  —  The Twins announced Thursday that the 79-year-old Kaat will be involved in various community and business initiatives …

Malik Jackson isn't buying that Tom Brady is injured  —  Tom Brady has a hand injury that will affect him on Sunday.  Unless it doesn't.  —  The Jaguars will be better on the latter, and preparing to face Brady at 100 percent.  —  “I remember [Bill running back] LeSean McCoy …

Mike Trout will be baseball's highest-paid player in 2018  —  A slowly developing and player-unfriendly off-season across Major League Baseball will produce at least one unintended consequence.  —  The game's greatest player will now be its best-compensated, too.

Rangers' Gallo took a Lyft, but there's a catch to this ride  —  ARLINGTON  —  Joey Gallo is from Las Vegas and continues to live there in the off-season.  —  As might be expected, the Texas Rangers' slugger apparently likes to gamble.  But not the kind that can get him banned from baseball.

Jacoby Ellsbury on the move?  MLB trade rumors heat up  —  The New York Yankees are looking to move outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and his gigantic contract this offseason.  —  The favorite son of Madras, Ore., and former Oregon State standout falls to fifth choice in a crowded Yankees outfield …

Three Teams To Watch On Julio Pablo Martinez  —  Three teams look like the favorites to sign Julio Pablo Martinez, a 21-year-old center fielder who had been one of the top young players in Cuba and has talent on par with a first-round pick if he were in the draft.

Yu Darvish dinner with group of Rangers' staffers, feeds fan frenzy  —  Free agent Yu Darvish is still untied to a major league team but his Texas Rangers' ties run deep.  —  The right-hander, who pitched for the Rangers for more than four seasons before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers last season …

When do Braves report for 2018 spring training?  —  The Atlanta Braves will be playing their final spring training at Champion Stadium at Lake Buena Vista, Fla.  —  Pitchers and catchers report Tuesday, Feb. 13, and will have their first workouts Wednesday, Feb. 14.  Full-squad workouts begin Monday, Feb. 19.