NFL:
On Monday Night Football, the New Orleans Saints are back atop the NFC South following a convincing victory over the hapless Bears in Chicago, 31-15.
NBA:
In the NBA, Boston topped Philadelphia 105-87, Cleveland beat Charlotte 97-88, Indiana won against the Lakers 110-91, Atlanta defeated Chicago 93-86, Toronto beat Orlando 95-82, Milwaukee edged Phoenix 96-94, Portland bested San Antonio 108-95, and it was the Clippers over Detroit 113-91.
NHL:
Over on the ice, the Islanders topped New Jersey in a shootout 3-2, Buffalo skated by Ottawa in a shootout 5-4, and Pittsburgh doubled up Tampa Bay 4-2.
MLB:
Chase Headley and the New York Yankees have reached an agreement on a $52 million, four-year contract. The move is a sign that New York plans to shift Alex Rodriguez to designated hitter, relegate him to a backup role or perhaps even seek trade offers. A-Rod is coming off a season-long suspension for violations of baseball's drug agreement and labor contract.
Outfielder John Mayberry Jr. and the New York Mets have finalized a $1.45 million, one-year contract. Mayberry will provide a right-handed bat with power to New York's bench. He hit seven homers and 23 RBIs in 146 at-bats this year for Philadelphia and Toronto.
The Washington Nationals and outfielder Bryce Harper have come to terms on a $7.5 million, two-year contract, thus avoiding a grievance hearing scheduled for this week. A person familiar with the agreement says Harper will receive $2.5 million in 2015 and $5 million in 2016.
The 2012 NL Rookie of the Year had been scheduled to have a $1 million salary in 2015, but the Major League Baseball Players Association filed a grievance on his behalf over whether he could void the final season of the $9.9 million, five-year contract he signed in 2010.
In other baseball news:
Infielder Jed Lowrie and the Houston Astros have agreed to a $23 million, three-year contract. The switch-hitting Lowrie had 35 home runs and 155 RBIs over the last three seasons
A person with direct knowledge of the deal says veteran reliever Jason Motte (maht) has agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. He went 1-0 with a 4.68 ERA in 29 games with the Cardinals after recovering from ligament replacement surgery.
The White Sox finalized a $42 million, three-year contract with free agent Melky Cabrera. The 30-year-old left fielder hit .301 with 16 homers and 73 RBIs in 139 games with Toronto last season.
And Kansas City has worked out a one-year, $11 million package with outfielder Alex Rios, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The 34-year-old Rios hit .280 this year with four homers and 54 RBIs.
Soccer:
DaMarcus Beasley is retiring from the U.S. national team after 14 years.
The 32-year-old Beasley was the first American to play in four World Cups. He scored 17 goals and made 121 international appearances.
