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ESPN:
Talks progress for MLB, union with lockout deadline looming — Even though a Dec. 1 deadline looms, negotiations toward a new labor deal in Major League Baseball have progressed this week, to the point where sources finally are expressing optimism that an agreement can be reached before owners impose a lockout.
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John Harper / New York Daily News:
Possibility of MLB lockout met with skepticism as CBA deadline approaches — Are Major League Baseball owners ready to risk a work stoppage, and an end to 21 years of labor peace, in an industry that is flourishing financially? — That possibility emerged on Tuesday when Ken Rosenthal …
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Sportsnet.ca and Talking Chop
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Sources: Baseball's 21-year run of labor peace could be in jeopardy
Sources: Baseball's 21-year run of labor peace could be in jeopardy
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Charlie Wilmoth / MLB Trade Rumors:
Diamondbacks Acquire Walker, Marte From Mariners For Segura, Haniger, Curtis — The Diamondbacks have announced that they've acquired starter Taijuan Walker and shortstop Ketel Marte from the Mariners for shortstop Jean Segura, outfielder Mitch Haniger and lefty Zac Curtis.
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Yahoo Sports, AZ Snake Pit, Lookout Landing, Lone Star Ball and MLB Daily Dish
Jon Heyman / FanRag Sports:
Heyman: Yankees casting wide net on free agent market — The Yankees are targeting star free agent closer Aroldis Chapman, but they've checked in on several relievers, the top free-agent starters and a whole host of hitters as they try to improve on their rare off year of 2016.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors and Pinstripe Alley
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Christian Red / New York Daily News:
Yoenis Cespedes not part of Yankees' free agent plans — After the Yankees dealt veteran Brian McCann to the Astros last week, Brian Cashman said the move opened up the possibility of pursuing some lumber while the team still focuses on its main goal of strengthening the rotation and bullpen.
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish, Yanks Go Yard, Fish Stripes, FanRag Sports and New Jersey Online
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Mets only willing to give Yoenis Cespedes four-year deal in $100-110 million range, source says
Mets only willing to give Yoenis Cespedes four-year deal in $100-110 million range, source says
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue
Andy Clayton / New York Daily News:
Ralph Branca, beloved Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher who gave up 'Shot Heard ‘Round the World’ home run, dead at 90 — Ralph Branca, who gave up one of the most famous home runs in baseball history, died Wednesday morning. — Ex-Mets manager Bobby Valentine, who is married to Branca's daughter Mary, shared the news on Twitter.
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FanRag Sports, CBS New York and Yahoo Sports
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Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Three-time All-Star won 21 games for 1947 Dodgers — Baseball has lost one of the game's enduring gentlemen, who lived for more than 60 years with a most conspicuous yet somewhat unwarranted smudge on his pitching reputation. Ralph Branca, the losing pitcher in one of baseball's most famous games, is dead at age 90.
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True Blue LA
Charlie Wilmoth / MLB Trade Rumors:
Brewers Claim Blake Parker, Designate David Goforth — The Brewers have announced that they've claimed reliever Blake Parker off waivers from the Angels, who designated him for assignment last weekend. To clear space on their 40-man roster, they've designated fellow righty David Goforth for assignment.
Discussion:
FanRag Sports, Brew Crew Ball and Al's Ramblings
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Nationals Acquire Jimmy Cordero — The Nationals have acquired minor league righty Jimmy Cordero from the division-rival Phillies, per a club announcement. Philadelphia will receive cash or a player to be named in the agreement. — Cordero, who recently turned 25, was designated …
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports, Phillies Nation, The Good Phight, Nationals Pastime and Federal Baseball
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Padres Part Ways With Mike Dee, Randy Smith — NOVEMBER 23: The Padres have issued a statement regarding Dee's departure. … OCTOBER 13: Team sources insist that the move on Dee was not related to the health disclosure controversy, Lin reports in a further update on the story.
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sandiegouniontribune.com and Gaslamp Ball
Charlie Wilmoth / MLB Trade Rumors:
Indians Outright Michael Martinez, Sign Daniel Robertson To Minors Deal — The Indians have announced that they've outrighted utilityman Michael Martinez. They've also signed outfielder Daniel Robertson to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite.
Discussion:
Let's Go Tribe and Off The Bench
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Brewers hold annual food drive at Miller Park — Ryan Braun joined the Brewers, Hunger Task Force and CBS 58 on Wednesday for the fifth annual “Thanksgiving Drive Thru Food Drive” at Miller Park. — Braun was present to accept food donations early Wednesday.
Discussion:
Al's Ramblings
Ethan Trex / Mental Floss:
Why Do the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys Always Play on Thanksgiving? — LIKE US ON FACEBOOK … Every year since 1934, the Detroit Lions have taken the field for a Thanksgiving game, no matter how bad their record has been. It all goes back to when the Lions were still a fairly young franchise.
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WCMH-TV
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Kristi Scales / 5 Points Blue:
Why Do the Cowboys Play on Thanksgiving Day?