Yanks GM Cashman sleeps outside for charity

For the fifth consecutive year, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman participated in the nationwide “Sleep Out” to raise awareness for the plight of homeless children, joining 700 leaders in business, government, media and sports in sleeping out on the streets of 15 cities in the United States and Canada.

Harper shines among MLB’s youngest MVPs

Mike Trout’s MVP year in 2014 saw him play his final regular game at the age of 23 years and 52 days; few had ever been younger in the concluding contest of an MVP campaign. Trout’s bragging rights among active players didn’t last very long, for Bryce Harper — the 2015 NL MVP — played his last game of this most recent season at 22 years and 353 days old.

Rizzo ranks fourth in NL MVP voting

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was the Baseball Writers Association of America’s unanimous selection for the National League MVP Award on Thursday, but the Cubs’ breakthrough season did not go unnoticed. First baseman Anthony Rizzo finished fourth for the award while ranking as high as second on three ballots.

Starters’ health bigger than any free-agent signing

The Rangers are looking for one more starting pitcher, and it’s safe to say they have touched base with just about every team that might have one to trade. The strength of their starting pitching in 2016 will rely more on the health of Yu Darvish, Derek Holland, Martin Perez and possibly Colby Lewis than most anybody they will acquire this offseason.