La Russa says reliever Leone ‘very useful’ when healthy  —  New Cardinals right-handed reliever Dominic Leone has had success at two previous stops in his career, Seattle and Toronto.  —  “The one place he didn't pitch very well was Arizona,” said John Mozeliak, the Cardinals' president …

Todd Frazier gives thumbs up to ‘Thumbs Down Guy’ as the two finally meet  —  Todd Frazier is still giving the thumbs down, this time with the guy who started the craze.  —  Frazier and Gary Dunaier, aka “Thumbs Down Guy,” finally met one another on Saturday at Steiner Sports …

Hall of Fame countdown: Chipper Jones a worthy addition to third base fraternity  —  USA TODAY Sports is counting down the top 24 candidates on the 2018 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot, based on voting by our power rankings panel, which includes five Hall voters.  —  No. 2 Chipper Jones

In crazy off-season, could something crazy still happen for Rangers?  —  ARLINGTON  —  Fan Fest traditionally serves as the kick off to another Texas Rangers season, and before any of those who attended Saturday's festivities know it, spring training will be upon them.

Brian Cashman prepared to go with rookies at third and second if necessary  —  The Yankees are committed to getting under the luxury-tax threshold, making high-priced additions unlikely.  —  First things first.  —  The Yankees still intend to get below the luxury-tax threshold in 2018 …

Michael Pineda introduced to Twins fans, still recovering from Tommy John surgery  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Michael Pineda is hard to miss, even when he's not throwing 95 mph fastballs.  The Minnesota Twins won't witness any of those heaters for a while, but they're still pleased to have the 6-foot-7 right-hander in-house until he's ready.

Red Sox Notes: Roster, Swihart, Pomeranz, Protective Netting  —  Recent comments from Red Sox GM Dave Dombrowski hint that the front office would feel confident going into the 2017 season with the pieces they have in the fold right now.  But Evan Drellich of NBC Sports Boston isn't convinced at all.

Brian McCann catches up quickly on newest ace in Astros rotation  —  McCann wastes no time starting to get to know Cole and his stuff  —  Brian McCann is surely the envy of catchers everywhere.  The same player who broke into the majors working with Hall of Fame pitchers John Smoltz …

Detroit Tigers winter caravan: 2 buses across Michigan on Thurs., Fri.  —  The Detroit Tigers' winter caravan is right around the corner.  —  The team's annual two-day journey across the state of Michigan offers unique opportunities for fans to see players up close leading up to TigerFest at Comerica Park on Jan. 27.

Arizona Diamondbacks face major dilemmas while searching for an encore  —  Last Video  —  Shot Clock: Yelich an option for D-Backs?  —  Shot Clock: D-Backs bring back J.D. Martinez?  —  Nick Piecoro talks D-Backs from the winter meetings  —  GM Mike Hazen on Day 3 of winter meetings

Pace of play impasse may signal larger issue brewing between players union, MLB  —  The implementation of a pitch clock hardly seems worth getting into a big fight about, yet the MLB Players Association has dug in its heels on the matter, perhaps forcing commissioner Rob Manfred to unilaterally impose …

With ‘nothing to worry about ever,’ this reliever could be Rangers' closer  —  DALLAS  —  This offseason likely would rate as the best of Jake Diekman's career if his life was still burdened by ulcerative colitis.  —  The left-hander was married Dec. 31 to his longtime girlfriend …