As of Tuesday, Alex Anzalone was prepared to arrive in South Bend this coming weekend, but he's changed his mind. [Anzalone] has decommitted from the program in favor of the Florida Gators. The linebacker from Wyomissing, Pa., confirmed the news to the South Bend Tribune on Thursday with a text message. ... Anzalone declined to explain why he made the switch, but his decision came in the wake of Brian Kelly's interview with the Philadelphia Eagles becoming public knowledge. ... Anzalone's defection not only serves as a visual crack to the 2013 Irish recruiting class, but also marks the loss of a top talent. He ranks in the top 50 players nationally on both Rivals.com and 247Sports.com. (South Bend Tribune) Comment

Is Boston narrowing its focus? For the second time in a week, the Red Sox have scouted right-hander Javier Vazquez. Multiple major league sources confirmed [Thursday] that the Red Sox were among the teams that attended Vazquez' start Wednesday night for Caguas of the Puerto Rican Winter League. According to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, the Chicago White Sox and Washington Nationals also dispatched scouts to watch the 36-year-old, who still is deciding whether to come out of retirement and pitch this season. Vazquez, who is planning to pitch for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic in March, was effective Wednesday night, allowing one run on six hits and one walk while striking out 10 in six innings. (Boston Herald) Comment

Former No. 1 overall pick Greg Oden may yet return to the NBA. The agent for [Oden] said Thursday he's "100 percent" certain his often-injured client will be back playing in the NBA next season. But he said rumors of Oden ending up with the Miami Heat this season in order to rehab are "extreme." With Miami playing at Portland on Thursday, there has been speculation the Heat, who can open up a roster spot, could soon sign [Oden]. He then would be under the care of their doctors while preparing to play for next season. Mike Conley, the agent for Oden, said in a phone interview with FOX Sports Florida it is an option Oden could sign with an NBA team this season for rehab purposes. But he said he has heard nothing from the Heat since Oden was waived. (FoxSports Florida) Comment