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.

OSU homecoming crash defendant's blood alcohol content made public  —  The driver in the OSU homecoming parade deaths tested at 0.01.

Darren O'Day market: Nats, Braves, Dodgers among teams in mix  —  Reliever Darren O'Day, who could be one of the first big free agents to sign, has drawn big interest from the Nationals, Braves and Dodgers, and while other teams are in the mix, this could shape up as a three-team competition featuring interesting connections.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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!!

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.

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.