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.

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 …

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.

Bryce Harper, Josh Donaldson Win MVP Awards  —  Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper and Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson were named the most valuable players in their respective leagues, the Baseball Writers Association of America announced today.  Harper was the unanimous choice …

National League MVP voter explains his ballot  —  This was my MVP ballot:  —  1. Bryce Harper  —  2. Paul Goldschmidt  —  3. Zack Greinke  —  4. Joey Votto  —  5. Anthony Rizzo  —  6. Nolan Arenado  —  7. A.J. Pollock  —  8. Buster Posey  —  9. Kris Bryant  —  10. Andrew McCutchen

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.

MLB Schedule: Mets-KC Open Sunday, Pirates-Miami in San Juan  —  NEW YORK — The champion Kansas City Royals will host the New York Mets in a World Series rematch when the 2016 Major League Baseball season starts in April with three Sunday openers.  Next year's schedule also includes two games …

Allard, Braves' First-Round Pick, Has Back Surgery  —  Kolby Allard, who had a stress reaction in his back this spring that led to him dropping to the Braves in the middle of the first round, had back surgery following the end of the GCL season, Braves blog chopcounty.com reported.

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.

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.

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” …

Latest On Angels' Front Office  —  4:36pm: Eppler tells Fletcher that the Angels “have not hired Bud Black” and are still in the process of assembling their front office unit (links to Twitter).  However, Fletcher notes that it won't be a surprise if Black ultimately does land in the Angels' front office, calling him a natural fit.