The Red Sox scuffled to just 69 wins last year, and the Yankees endured more aches and pains this spring than an out-of-shape weekend warrior. So, guess who's atop the AL East? Somebody better call rewrite on all those Boston-New York obituaries. ... ...more

How bad are the Astros? They are so bad the rest of the AL West is licking its chops. So bad the Oakland A's are in first place because of them. So bad I couldn't even write a full column about them. So keep reading beyond the first item and we'll get to Mother Nature, Terry Francona's seniority in Cleveland, Felix Hernandez and, yes, more Dodgers-Padres brawl fallout. ...more

Jackie Robinson Day in Dodger Stadium is a moving experience highlighted by the presence of Rachel Robinson, 90, and, of course, all of those 42s wearing a Dodgers uniform. And make sure to read below for Matt Kemp's take on how to entice more African-American kids into playing baseball. Hint: Cool baseball-themed shoe commercials. ... ...more

Dodger manager Don Mattingly's first move to the bullpen in 2013? Summoning Sandy Koufax? ...more

Spring training is extra long this year thanks to the World Baseball Classic. But with injuries piling up and several key players out, it may not be long enough. ...more

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Basketball is for Duke and North Carolina. It is not for Zack Greinke. Not any more. With a big contract comes big responsibility. So, begrudgingly, Greinke over the winter traded in his basketball kicks for running shoes. What six years and $147 million does for lifetime security, well, it sort of does the opposite for frivolity and carelessness. ... ...more

Zack Greinke said he came so close to signing with the Rangers that 'at one point, I was leaning toward Texas.' The Dodgers came so close to their senses Tuesday that they appeared to make it through the day without dumping another multi-gaz-million dollar deal in anybody else's direction. ... ...more

This is not as simple as transitioning from Mannywood in 2009 to the Zack Attack in 2013. Not with Dodgers ownership transferring from a charlatan huckster to the U.S. Mint over the past 12 months. Zack Greinke is joining the Dodgers' rotation, and the meaning of it all is sending shudders throughout the industry. ... ...more

The Rays delivered a post-Thanksgiving surprise Monday by extending Evan Longoria's current deal by six-years and $100 million, taking him through 2022. Now, can he stay healthy and productive? ...more