The Kim Mulkey way  —  The LSU coach holds grudges, battles everyone — and keeps winning.  But at what cost?  —  TICKFAW, La. — In the two sisters' minds, the old house remains as it was: a one-story brick ranch a hundred yards off the road, white fence under two ancient oaks, tin roof long before it all caved in.

Heim wins it for Rangers after mistake hands Cubs lead in 9th  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — At the end of an opening game so stuffed with gleaming storylines that Stephen King wouldn't know which one to choose, it was the redemption story that won out.  —  The hero in the Texas Rangers' 4-3 extra-inning win …

Yankees' Juan Soto feeling ‘at home’ ahead of season opener  —  On the eve of the New York Yankees' season opener at Minute Maid Park against the Houston Astros, manager Aaron Boone had a simple directive for his new slugger: It's your team, too.  —  Asked how Juan Soto will fit into a team …

Jordan Montgomery didn't want to end up with the Red Sox  —  Jordan Montgomery and the Red Sox had their famous Zoom call about six weeks ago, and while the Red Sox aren't known to have made a concrete offer, it turns out Montgomery preferred not to go there, anyway.

Rays' Wander Franco taken off 40-man roster  —  The All-Star shortstop, who has not played since mid-August, was placed back on administrative leave and will continue to get paid.  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Wander Franco was taken off the Rays' 40-man roster on Thursday and placed …

Diamondbacks prospect Jordan Lawlar to undergo surgery on injured thumb  —  Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar tore a ligament in his right thumb and will require surgery, an injury that likely will sideline the club's top prospect for at least the first two months of the season.

Dodgers Sign Will Smith To Ten-Year Extension  —  The Dodgers announced today that they have signed catcher Will Smith to a ten-year extension which runs through 2033.  It is reportedly a guarantee of $140MM with no opt-outs for the Apex Baseball client, though with deferrals.

NL MVP  —  Who else got votes?  Ronald Acuna Jr. (6), Fernando Tatis Jr. (3), Freddie Freeman (2), BOF - Betts/Ohtani/Freeman (1)  —  Acuna is not our voters' favorite here, but you were one of six people to pick him to win his second consecutive MVP.  Explain your reasoning.