Joe Maddon trying to stay cool but it may be World Series or bust for his future  —  LAS VEGAS — Joe Maddon strolls through the lobby of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and can barely take more than a few steps before being stopped for autographs, posing for pictures and strangers wanting casual conversation.

Angels planning to allow farm system to continue to grow  —  The Angels had the worst farm system in baseball a few years ago, and GM Billy Eppler has high hopes for continued improvement  —  LAS VEGAS — Billy Eppler has a very clear plan to get the Angels back to perennial contention.

New York Yankees are going all-in on catcher Gary Sanchez  —  LAS VEGAS — Just yards away from the nearest blackjack table, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman doubled down on Gary Sanchez.  —  The idea is to have Sanchez behind the plate on opening day a Yankee Stadium, and for years to come …

Winter meetings predictions: Will Vegas deliver any last-day drama?  —  Wednesday is the last full day of the winter meetings, and there has been little action as teams warily consider their options.  With roughly 24 hours to go before the leading executives of all 30 teams start packing …

Goldschmidt deal was emotional, difficult for D-Backs manager Lovullo  —  LAS VEGAS  • As Arizona and its general manager Mike Hazen wrestled internally with the decision to trade Paul Goldschmidt, the face of the franchise and one of the finest hitters in the National League …

New Detroit Tigers pitcher Tyson Ross: There's a lot left in the tank  —  LAS VEGAS — It took a year and a half, but Tyson Ross finally learned how to throw a baseball again.  —  And when he did, the right-hander posted enough of a bounce-back season that the Detroit Tigers think there is more.

How signing McCutchen sets Phillies up for Harper and Machado  —  LAS VEGAS — We have the first big move of the winter meetings as the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to terms with Andrew McCutchen on a three-year deal for a reported $50 million that also includes a team option.  —  EDITOR'S PICKS

If Robinson Cano wants to loaf it to first base, Mickey Callaway is fine with that  —  Mets manager Mickey Callaway is fine with Robinson Cano jogging to first base every once in a while.  As long as he can stay on the field.  —  It may be a controversial opinion, but Callaway was steadfast …

Cubs' Joe Maddon says nothing ‘dumb’ about offseason approach  —  LAS VEGAS — In an effort to connect better with his players after a disappointing finish to last season, 64-year-old Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon's winter reading this offseason includes a book called “Managing Millennials for Dummies.”

Mariners have discussed Carlos Santana trade with three clubs  —  LAS VEGAS - No, Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto did not make a trade on the first day of the Winter Meetings on Monday.  Yes, Dipoto did refer to the day as “boring.”  —  But don't get the impression that Dipoto …

Ottavino vs. the Bambino: Hubris or Hilarious?  —  LAS VEGAS — We're not really sure why Adam Ottavino got on the subject of his hypothetical domination of Babe Ruth, but that doesn't mean we can't be thrilled that he did.  For one, it's a beautiful testament to our endless quest …

Twins' Byron Buxton has ‘an edge’ after not being recalled in September  —  Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton said Tuesday that he was upset with the club for not calling him up in September when rosters expanded.  —  “Yes.  I ain't sugarcoating nothing,” Buxton told reporters …

Jackie Bradley Jr., CC Sabathia traveling to London this week  —  Jackie Bradley Jr. and CC Sabathia are about to give baseball the royal treatment.  —  The Boston outfielder and New York Yankees pitcher are traveling to London this week, six months ahead of the two-game series between the teams in the British capital.

Column: It's time for baseball's shift to go  —  LAS VEGAS — Ask baseball managers what they think about the dreaded shift, and most of them have the same answer.  —  It's not a problem if the hitters don't make it one.  —  “There's an easy way to combat that,” Oakland's Bob Melvin said.

Cubs may need to subtract before adding some bullpen help  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Nearly one year ago, the Cubs acquired two major pillars of their successful bullpen by signing closer Brandon Morrow and resilient Steve Cishek.  —  But the Cubs are among several teams this winter …