Dreading LA's 10 Freeway closure?  To avoid traffic jams, consider taking a bus or train  —  Authorities Sunday urged commuters to plan ahead to avoid major delays caused by the closure of a stretch of the 10 Freeway in Downtown Los Angeles after it was damaged by a fire.

Braves willing to pay for free agent starting pitcher.  Is Aaron Nola a fit?  —  One of the remarkable things about the Atlanta Braves is that none of their players signed long-term has a salary of more than $22 million.  But for the right starting pitcher in free agency, the Braves are willing to go higher.

Jeff Passan's 2023-24 MLB offseason preview and predictions  —  In the 12 days since Major League Baseball's free agent season commenced, not one player has signed with a new team.  Nobody will mistake the MLB offseason for the NFL or NBA's, when early frenzies turn free agency into events …

Brian Cashman realistic about Giancarlo Stanton's injury woes  —  While not always on point, Brian Cashman had plenty of lengthy explanations when it came to addressing questions about analytics and player development at the GM meetings last week.  But the subject of Giancarlo Stanton …

Nightengale's Notebook: What happened at MLB GM meetings ... besides everyone getting sick  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. − They came to the resort full of energy, elated by the perfect weather, mesmerized by the views and palm trees swaying in the breeze.  —  Three days later, they departed dehydrated …

Clippers fall to Memphis, slip to 0-4 with James Harden  —  LOS ANGELES - Maybe it was the time of day.  Historically, the Clippers have never done well in afternoon games.  —  Maybe it was their first home game after a three-game eastern trip that saw the Clippers lose three in a row.

What we're hearing: Cubs could target Rhys Hoskins, plus potential trade candidates  —  Cody Bellinger's successful comeback player of the year campaign could be a template for the Chicago Cubs and another Scott Boras client.  With an opening at first base and a need for a middle-of-the-order hitter …

Brewers expected to promote Pat Murphy to manager (source)  —  MILWAUKEE — The Brewers have long prioritized continuity in their staffing decisions, and they are putting that philosophy to use in the choice of their new manager.  —  A source confirmed to MLB.com that the Brewers …

Yankees ask David Ross about bench coach job, but he prefers manager job to return: Sources  —  New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone and David Ross worked together at ESPN in 2017.  Boone helped guide Ross through his interview process for the Chicago Cubs' managerial opening in 2019.

Sports |  UCLA football falls against scrappy Arizona State  —  The Bruins suffered their first loss of the season at the Rose Bowl on Saturday night  —  PASADENA — The Arizona State football team came into the Rose Bowl depleted, but creative.  The Sun Devils threw everything they had at UCLA …

Unlike most former Chicago Cubs managers, David Ross has kept most of his thoughts on firing to himself  —  Former Chicago Cubs manager Dale Sveum was fired by Theo Epstein in 2013 over beers in the Newport Bar, a combination tavern/laundromat at which the bartender watched it play out like a reality show.

Cubs appear to be heading in a different direction after Marcus Stroman's opt-out decision  —  In the end, it was a fairly straightforward decision for Marcus Stroman to opt out of his contract with the Chicago Cubs.  Assuming good health, Stroman should be able to easily top the $21 million …