Baseball Hall of Fame ballot: Decisions easier once PED cloud lifted  —  As a longtime member of the Baseball Writers' Association of America, Gene Myers, who retired in 2015 as sports director of the Free Press, has one of the roughly 425 ballots that will determine the rest of the Hall of Fame's Class of 2018.

Sandy Alderson and Mets are confident that better health can turn things around in 2018  —  Sandy Alderson said the Mets are monitoring the market for a possible second baseman, but there is a chance they will open spring training Feb. 14 without a move.  With four starting pitchers coming …

Chris Heston returns to Giants on minor league deal  —  SAN FRANCISCO — A familiar face could help provide starting pitching depth for the Giants next season.  —  Right-hander Chris Heston has signed a minor league deal with the organization, per a source, returning three years after his breakthrough season in orange and black.

A-Rod doing double duty, adds ESPN's ‘Sunday Night Baseball’ gig to go along with his FOX duties  —  A-Rod is replacing Aaron Boone once again.  —  First, at third base in the Bronx.  —  Now, in the broadcast booth for ESPN.  —  Alex Rodriguez will be part of the Worldwide Leader's …

Mickey Loomis ‘not anticipating any big issues’ with Drew Brees contract negotiations  —  MOBILE, Ala. — Drew Brees has said he wants to re-sign with the New Orleans Saints.  —  On Wednesday, General Manager Mickey Loomis confirmed the feeling is mutual for the team.

Chris Archer confident he won't be traded by Tampa Bay Rays anytime soon  —  Rumors abound, but Chris Archer is confident he won't be traded by the Rays anytime soon.  —  “I've talked to (GM) Erik (Neander) a lot and he's made me feel pretty good about being with the Rays in 2018,” Archer said Wednesday after a workout at the Trop.

Why does everybody love Vlad Guerrero so much?  —  Everything about Vladimir Guerrero was impossible.  Maybe that's one reason everyone loved him.  —  It's a minor miracle that he escaped an impoverished childhood in the Dominican Republic to reach the majors.

Stats defined Chipper Jones' Braves career  —  Chipper Jones is a Hall of Fame shoo-in.  —  The Atlanta Braves' top pick in 1990 retired in 2012 as one of baseball's best switch-hitters.  Jones, who finished with 2,724 hits and 468 homers, hit above .300 from both sides of the plate.

Browns' John Dorsey indicates Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield are in the discussion at No. 1  —  MOBILE, Ala. — Browns GM John Dorsey will meet with Wyoming's Josh Allen and Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield at the Senior Bowl, but has already indicated they're in the discussion for the Browns' pick at No. 1.