Lefty is 3rd Astro to earn honor; righty is 1st Cubs winner since Maddux in '92  —  Astros ace Dallas Keuchel caps his stellar 2015 campaign by being named the 2015 BBWAA American League Cy Young Award winner  —  They're loving Dallas in Houston, and the Windy City's still staying awake for Jake.

Brewers Acquire Jonathan Villar From Astros  —  The Brewers announced that they've acquired shortstop Jonathan Villar from the Astros in exchange for minor league right-hander Cy Sneed.  Villar will be reunited with former Astros assistant GM David Stearns, who is now the general manager in Milwaukee.

Cubs Sign Andury Acevedo  —  The Cubs have signed righty Andury Acevedo to a major league deal and added him to their 40-man roster, the club announced today.  He had reached the open market as a minor league free agent.  —  The 25-year-old Acevedo sped up the ladder in the Yankees organization …

The Miami Marlins clubhouse was a circus, literally  —  Red clown noses, a shouting match, multiple trade requests by the team's ace, and players/coaches actively rooting against him: Welcome to the 2015 Marlins clubhouse.  —  It was a Sunday afternoon, May 17, 2015 to be exact.

Cubs Claim Jack Leathersich From Mets  —  The Cubs announced that they've claimed left-handed reliever Jack Leathersich off waivers from the Mets.  Leathersich is recovering from 2015 Tommy John surgery but could return to Major League action late in the 2016 campaign.

Orioles interested in Neil Walker  —  I heard a few weeks ago that the Orioles had some interest in Pirates infielder Neil Walker and were checking whether he might be non-tendered.  As it turns out, they took it a step further and engaged in trade talks during the general managers meetings in Boca Raton, Fla.

Arroyo says he would pitch for Reds again  —  Former Reds pitcher and free agent Bronson Arroyo was in Cincinnati Wednesday, and he hopes there are several days in the city ahead.  —  The right-hander hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2014 after having “Tommy John” …

Could Cleveland Indians be Rockies' trade partner for pitching?  —  TOPICS  —  Carlos Carrasco, Carlos Gonzalez, Corey Dickerson, Corey Kluber, Danny Salazar, Jeff Bridich, Trevor Bauer.  —  I was trolling big-league waters for possible trades that would bring pitching to Colorado …

Roenicke returns to Angels as 3B coach ...  Ron Roenicke has returned to the Angels as their new third-base coach, the club announced on Wednesday.  —  Roenicke was the Angels' third-base coach from 2000-05, then was promoted to be their bench coach in 2006, taking over for Joe Maddon.

An angry Obama upbraids critics who want to block refugees from Syria  —  MANILA — President Obama left Washington this week on an around-the-world trip to promote American values.  Halfway through, he has become embroiled in a debate with critics back home over just what those values are.