Top News:
Charlie Wilmoth / MLB Trade Rumors:
Astros Strongly Interested In Acquiring Closer — The Astros are “hell-bent” on acquiring a closer, sources tell ESPN's Jayson Stark. The Astros have made calls on Aroldis Chapman of the Reds, Andrew Miller of the Yankees, and Brad Boxberger of the Rays, as well as potential free agent possibilities.
Discussion:
The Crawfish Boxes
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Jayson Stark / ESPN:
Saturday's MLB hot stove trade and free-agency buzz — 27m - MLB KEN GILES AROLDIS CHAPMAN BRAD BOXBERGER ANDREW MILLER + more
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Blue Jays Acquire Jesse Chavez From A's For Liam Hendriks — The Blue Jays have officially acquired righty Jesse Chavez from the Athletics. Right-hander Liam Hendriks is going to Oakland in return. — This swap could have wide-ranging implications. The 32-year-old Chavez figures to join …
Discussion:
Athletics Nation, Baseball Prospectus and Bluebird Banter
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Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
A's Designate Craig Gentry, Fernando Abad
A's Designate Craig Gentry, Fernando Abad
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball and Athletics Nation
Jenna Zibton / WSLS-TV:
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 …
Discussion:
KRON4.com
Jackie Stevens / Facebook:
I'm still laughing! In our day and age, where everyone is offended by everything, I thought this was perfect!! Thank you to Schuler's for this sign!! I hope all of their locations have this!!
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Dodgers Interested In Zimmermann; Giants A “Threat” To Land Greinke — Righty Jordan Zimmermann is one of the Dodgers' “top targets” among free agent starters, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports (Twitter links). That shouldn't be read as a shift of focus away from Zack Greinke, he adds …
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
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.
Discussion:
Outfield Fly Rule, Bless You Boys, Chop County, Talking Chop, Baseball Essential, MLB Daily Dish and Yahoo Sports
John Schlegel / MLB.com:
Harper unanimous BBWAA NL MVP; Donaldson wins AL — Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper is named the unanimous winner of the 2015 BBWAA NL Most Valuable Player Award — The road to a Most Valuable Player Award can be traveled by a can't-miss young phenom speeding to his lofty potential like Bryce Harper …
Discussion:
Curly W Live and Sports on Earth Writers
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Rich Schultz / Fox Sports:
MVP Awards: Nats' Harper wins NL, Jays' Donaldson takes AL
Vince Lara-Cinisomo / Baseball America:
Trade Central: Cubs Add More Bullpen Help In Patton — THE DEAL — The Cubs have been attempting to add bullpen help on the cheap this week, claiming Tommy John patient Jack Leathersich off waivers from the Mets and then signing minor league free agent Andury Acevedo of the Yankees to a major league contract.
Discussion:
Minor League Ball
Paul Hagen / MLB.com:
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 …
Discussion:
Let's Go Tribe and Yahoo Sports
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Maury Brown / Forbes:
Manfred Announces 3-Year Deal With FOX To Have MLB Games Streamed In-Market
Manfred Announces 3-Year Deal With FOX To Have MLB Games Streamed In-Market
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos, FanGraphs Baseball and Red Reporter
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Yankees Seek Pitching In Potential Gardner Deals — 12:47pm: Jon Heyman of CBS Sports tweets that there's no talk of Castro/Gardner at this point, as the Yankees' preference would be to add pitching if they're to part with Gardner. — 9:35am: The Yankees and Cubs have discussed …
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
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Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
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.
Discussion:
DRaysBay and River Avenue Blues
Rick Morrissey / Chicago:
Griffey Jr., Hoffman and Trammell for the Hall, but not without some nocturnal drama — I woke up the other night thinking about the Baseball Hall of Fame, specifically about whether I had voted for a suspected steroid user by mistake the day before. This is no way to go through life.
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter and Pinstripe Alley
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
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 …
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports, U.S.S. Mariner, Lookout Landing, MLB Daily Dish and Al's Ramblings