Here's your wakeup call -- a combination of newsworthy andor interesting tidbits -- for Wednesday, November 7:
BASEBALL
Yu Darvish says he'll pass on the World Baseball Classic . . . a decision that probably won't go over too well in Japan. (AP)
The Cubs are talking the talk about how to approach free agency. But as Theo and crew demonstrated during their later years in Boston, walking the walk can be tougher. (CSN Chicago)
The Red Sox missed out on Lew Ford all those years ago. But now, if they want, they can make up for that mistake. (CSN Baltimore)
Come on, Lucas. You guys make all that money. You couldn't hire a mover? (AP)
Um, Blue Jays? As we can tell you from last year's sad experience, dragging out the search process doesn't necessarily result in you getting a great -- or even good -- manager. (NBC's Hardball Talk)
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
It can get windy on an aircraft carrier, so Syracuse and San Diego State are going to play on Sunday afternoon instead of Friday night. (AP)
It won't be so windy on Georgetown's boat, so they're still on for Friday night. And since they're playing on a military venue, Georgetown plans to dress for the occasion. (CSN Washington)
Some AAU irregularities will cost two Indiana freshmen the first nine games of their college careers. (AP)
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
When it comes to joining in the BCS debate, Brian Kelly says he'd just as soon sit this one out, thanks. (CSN Chicago)
They're still going to call it the Sugar Bowl, anyway. (AP)
First, Jim Mora wanted to send Twitter imposters to jail. Then he had a better idea. (NBC's College Football Talk)
GOLF
A trip to Disney is no vacation for some golfers, since it's their last chance to break into the top 125 on the money list and keep their Tour cards for 2013. (AP)
And if Davis Love III makes it, it'll be the 26th straight year he's been in the top 125 . . . a distinction some of the greatest golfers in history (Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods) can't claim. (AP)
HOCKEY
Ready to leave your Fourth of July picnic to get to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals? You might have to, if one of the NHL Governors gets his way. (NBC's Pro Hockey Talk)
PRO BASKETBALL
Now we know: Scottie Pippen's part of President Obama's posse. (NBC's Pro Basketball Talk)
If this kind of flip-flopping is any indication, we can see politics in Kobe Bryant's future. (Pro Basketball talk)
That'll teach Monty Williams to keep his mouth shut. (AP)
PRO FOOTBALL
Kudos to the Giants for their 500,000 donation towards the Hurricane Sandy recovery effort. (NBC's Pro Football Talk)
It's never too early to try and smoke out the playoff picture. (nbcsports.com)
The Steelers' injury bug has spread to the wide-receiver corps. (AP)
You knew this was coming, right? (CSN Philly)
Adam Vinatieri sure looks strange with a shaved head, but it's a great gesture by him and his Colts teammates. (Pro Football Talk)
Mickey Loomis is back on the job in New Orleans. (AP)
Brandon Jacobs, solid citizen? What are they putting in the water out there in San Francisco? (CSN Bay Area)
Somehow, Skip Bayless made Terrell Suggs look rational and reasonable. (CSN Baltimore)