NFL to discuss Chargers, L.A. moveNEW YORK — The NFL’s finance and stadium committees will meet in New York next Wednesday to discuss the potential relocation of the Chargers from San Diego to Los Angeles.Chargers Chairman Dean Spanos has indicated he will move the team into the $2.6 billion stadium being built by Rams owner Stan Kroenke and scheduled to open for the start of the 2019 season.

Tribe, Encarnacion finalizing contractCLEVELAND — The AL’s best team is set to start the new year with a power surge.One win from a World Series title last season, the Cleveland Indians are set to finalize a $65 million, three-year contract with free agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion.Encarnacion, who has averaged 39 homers over the past five seasons, took a physical, one of the final steps to complete a deal agreed upon before Christmas.

Little League announces changesUNDATED — Little League International announced mandatory criminal background checks for its volunteer coaches, new eligibility requirements for players and a host of new rules intended to increase the pace of play.Under the rules changes that take effect this year, local leagues will have the option to force batters to keep one foot in the batter’s box during regular-season games and allow intentional walks by announcing the decision to the umpire rather than throwing four balls.Leagues will now be required to conduct nationwide background checks of sex offender registry data and other criminal records for its coaches and others involved with running teams.

Hockey legend Schmidt dead at 98BOSTON — Milt Schmidt, the hockey hall of famer who led Boston to two Stanley Cup championships as the center of the “Kraut Line,” died on Wednesday, the team said.He was 98.Schmidt had been the oldest living NHL player.