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.

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 …

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 …

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!!

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

Syn City: Noah Syndergaard loves New York so much he wants to be ‘Met for life’  —  Noah Syndergaard had dreamed of being a big leaguer most of his life, but ever since 2013, he had dreamed specifically about getting a chance to get back to New York City.  —  And now that the 23-year-old is here …