Score board

MLB moving closer to tapping Cuban talent

Fred Claire can see the day when Major League Baseball teams open academies for prospects in Cuba.

Free flow of players 'years away'

There will be no immediate flow of top Cuban players into Major League Baseball despite the major US policy shift toward the island, experts on baseball in Cuba said on Wednesday.

Trade winds blowing up a storm

Several big league teams stepped up their holiday shopping on Wednesday and a bunch of players were on the go. Here's a look at the most recent deals:

Mack's scoring has Hawks soaring

The Cavaliers' largest loss of the season didn't sit well with coach David Blatt.

Zhang at home with Wolves

Chinese star Zhang Xizhe's transfer from Beijing Guoan to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg was completed on Tuesday, with his first media conference screened live in China.

McCarthy wants to make his mark

After an itinerant major league career, Brandon McCarthy is grateful the Los Angeles Dodgers are giving him the chance to grow with a contender.

A-Rod now a full-time DH

Alex Rodriguez faces a diminished role in his return to the New York Yankees, who have stripped A-Rod of his third-base job and plan to limit his role to full-time designated hitter - at most.

Rory says golf needs more speed

World No 1 Rory McIlroy has urged golf's rule-makers to speed up the game at the grassroots level in order to make it more attractive to youngsters.

Score board

IN BRIEF (Page 23)

Thierry's tale of two countries

In announcing the end of a distinguished 20-year career, Thierry Henry made it clear where he felt more cherished.