Yankees have discussed trading Brett Gardner for Cubs' Starlin Castro: source  —  Brett Gardner continues to be a hot name on this year's trade market.  —  The Yankees have discussed the outfielder with “many teams” according to a major-league executive, and while it's no certainty that Gardner …

Manfred announces additions for next season at quarterly Owners Meetings  —  Commissioner Rob Manfred announces plans for stadium-netting implementation and overall fan safety heading into the 2016 season  —  DALLAS — Increased safety netting is likely to be in place by the opening of the 2016 season …

After heated debate, Salem VA Medical Center allows Christmas tree after all  —  UPDATE: A letter from the Salem VA Medical Center to all employees stating Christmas trees will not be allowed in public areas this holiday season ignites a debate.  But, after a heated meeting Friday afternoon …

Mariners Acquire Luis Sardinas From Brewers  —  The Mariners and Brewers announced the completion of a relatively minor trade, with infielder Luis Sardinas going to the Seattle in exchange for outfielder Ramon Flores.  —  Sardinas, still just 22, has been traded twice within the past year …

Tigers Acquire Cameron Maybin  —  The Tigers have announced the acquisition of outfielder Cameron Maybin from the Braves.  In return, Atlanta has added lefties Ian Krol and Gabe Speier.  —  Maybin, 28, returns to the organization that made him a first-round pick back in 2005.

Ex-Mariners first base coach Andy Van Slyke rips Robinson Cano  —  In one fell swoop, former Mariners first base coach Andy Van Slyke made enemies with a pair of MLB franchises, including the one that let him go after the 2015 season.  —  Appearing on St. Louis' CBS Sports Radio 920 …

Rule 5 Draft Roster Deadline: Who's Being Added  —  As of Nov. 20, hundreds of minor leaguers will have a clear indication of where they stand.  Tonight is the roster deadline for players to be added to 40-man rosters to protect them from the Rule 5 draft.  Any player first signed …

MVP Awards: Nats' Harper wins NL, Jays' Donaldson takes AL  —  Josh Donaldson (left) received 23 first-place votes in the AL.  Bryce Harper received all 30 in the NL.  —  NEW YORK — Bryce Harper began this season with one personal goal — and it had nothing to do with homers, RBIs or awards.

Sources: Cardinals showing interest in free-agent slugger Chris Davis  —  St. Louis is intrigued by Davis because of his bat — and his versatility on defense.  —  The St. Louis Cardinals are interested in free agent Chris Davis and have had discussions in recent weeks with his agent, Scott Boras, according to major-league sources.

Rays Claim Chase Whitley From Yankees  —  The Rays have claimed right-hander Chase Whitley off waivers from the Yankees, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.  —  Whitley, 26, underwent Tommy John surgery in May after having thrown 19 1/3 useful innings for the Yankees early in the season.

Padres Sign Cesar Vargas To MLB Deal  —  The Padres have signed righty Cesar Vargas to a major league deal, the club announced.  San Diego also added just-acquired outfielder Manuel Margot and infielder Jose Rondon to its 40-man roster to protect them from the Rule 5 draft.

A's Designate Craig Gentry, Fernando Abad  —  The Athletics announced today that they have designated center fielder Craig Gentry and left-handed reliever Fernando Abad for assignment.  The moves clear space for the addition of second baseman Joey Wendle and left-hander Jose Torres to the 40-man roster.