MLB planning for rule changesPHOENIX — Major League Baseball intends to push forward with the process that could lead to possible rule changes involving the strike zone, installation of pitch clocks and limits on trips to the pitcher’s mound.While baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed hope the ongoing process would lead to an agreement, he said clubs would reserve the right to act unilaterally, consistent with the rule-change provision of the sport’s labor contract.Union head Tony Clark said last weekend he did not foresee players agreeing to proposed changes for 2017. Under baseball’s collective bargaining agreement, management can alter playing rules only with agreement from the union — unless it gives one year notice. With the one year of notice, management can make changes on its own.Manfred said while he prefers an agreement, “I’m also not willing to walk away.” He said he will send a letter to the union in the coming days and plans to continue dialogue with Clark and others in hopes of reaching agreement.

Missing jersey valued at $500,000BOSTON — The value of Tom Brady’s missing Super Bowl jersey is listed as $500,000 on a Houston Police Department report.The New England Patriots quarterback is listed as the complainant in the report dated Feb. 6, the day after the Patriots came back from a 25-point deficit to defeat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime. The police report was made public Tuesday.Investigators have been working to identify who was in the locker room at the time the jersey was taken. A Houston police officer was stationed outside the locker room on the day of the game, but access to the location was controlled by Patriots team security.The Texas Rangers, the state’s top law enforcement officers, were assisting in the investigation along with the NFL’s security department.

Asia could host 3 straight OlympicsSAPPORO, Japan — Asia’s Olympic leader thinks the continent could stage three consecutive Winter Games, and Sapporo would be an ideal location to follow Pyeongchang and Beijing.Olympic Council of Asian president Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah said Sapporo has all the facilities needed to organize the Winter Olympics for a second time.Sapporo hosted the Winter Games in 1972 and city officials are considering a bid for 2026, but nothing official has been decided. It would mean the IOC would return to a city in Asia for a third straight time following Pyeongchang, South Korea in 2018 and Beijing in 2022.

Associate A.D. death being investigatedEASLEY, S.C. — Authorities are investigating the death of an associate athletic director at Clemson University.Pickens County Sheriff Rick Clark said the body of 60-year-old Bert Henderson was found on Tuesday morning near his Easley home.Henderson was reported missing by Clemson officials Monday afternoon after he failed to report to work. His wife died last year.Crews had been using K9s and a helicopter to search for Henderson.