Mets' ace Jacob deGrom rolls to landslide victory for Cy Young Award on the strength of 1.70 ERA  —  Jacob deGrom, whose won-lost record was 10-9, had the fewest victories for a Cy Young Award-winning starting pitcher in a full season.  —  The previous low was 13 by the Mariners' Felix Hernandez in the AL in 2010.

Hal Steinbrenner: Manny Machado comments on hustling 'ain't going to sell'  —  ATLANTA — Flush with cash, the New York Yankees may take a run at Manny Machado.  —  But first, the slugging infielder would have some explaining to do.  —  Arriving in Atlanta for two days of owners meetings …

Bench coach Manny Acta defends Scott Servais, Mariners after allegations of racism by Lorena Martin  —  In a phone call from the Dominican Republic, Acta said during his three years on Servais' staff, he has never seen signs of the behavior alleged by former director of high performance Lorena Martin.

A blockbuster offseason move for all 30 teams  —  Let's make a move for every team ... a blockbuster move.  Because every team should think big.  “Boldness be my friend,” wrote William Shakespeare.  Indeed!  —  THE MACHADO AND HARPER DEPARTMENT  —  Philadelphia Phillies sign Bryce Harper ... and Manny Machado.

LeBron James passes Wilt Chamberlain for 5th on career scoring list as Lakers top Blazers  —  LOS ANGELES — It was, in one sense, hard to appreciate LeBron James moving up one line in the annals of NBA history.  —  The present was too riveting on its own, as a sold-out Staples Center got its best game so far out of its biggest star.

Japan beats MLB All-Stars 6-5 to clinch exhibition series  —  NAGOYA, Japan — Takayuki Kai drove in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning to lead Japan over the MLB All-Stars 6-5 Wednesday and give the hosts a 4-1 lead in their six-game exhibition series.  —  Kai's double to left off Dan …

Future of baseball at stake with owners, players set to meet  —  Baseball has never needed cooperation and coordination between players and management more than in this time and place, macro and micro.  During the American League Championship Series, for example, Boston's David Price tinkered …

Clapp is happy he's a Cardinal  —  Stubby Clapp, the successful Class AAA Memphis manager, will serve as first-base coach for the Cardinals in 2019.  Photo courtesy Memphis Redbirds  —  Stubby Clapp, the successful Class AAA Memphis manager, will serve as first-base coach for the Cardinals in 2019.

Red Sox Announce Extension With Alex Cora  —  5:12pm: WEEI's Rob Bradford tweets that Cora is indeed receiving a raise on the deal as well.  —  4:57pm: The Red Sox announced Wednesday that they're agreed to a new contract with manager Alex Cora on the heels of 2018's World Series title.