Morning Hot Reads: Talk Of The Town

USA TODAY writes Japanese P/OF Shohei Otani is "dominating the talk" at this week's MLB GM meetings, with execs around the league "fascinated" by his talent. Otani is about to become "baseball’s most prized free agent. He is "capable of winning 20 games as a starting pitcher, hitting 30 home runs" and becoming MLB’s "greatest marketing tool since Bo Jackson."

The N.Y. TIMES writes under the header, "From Countries to Continents, Golf's New Globe-Trotters." Reducing the "purse disparity between the European and PGA Tours has helped keep the next wave of European talent from jumping ship as quickly for PGA Tour riches." Now they are visiting "as many as 30" countries throughout their season.

Also:

• Astros GM Jeff Luhnow "savors overdue title."
• Is moving Padres-Dodgers series to Mexico "fair to San Diegans?"
• Alex Anthopoulos' rise from "tragedy to prodigy to Braves GM."
• Football still has strong hold on youth in rural America.
• Baltimore SUN profiles Ravens head of ticket sales.
• Why the Hornets' original uniforms "remain iconic."