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.

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.

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.

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.

LEADOFF: Hart calls SunTrust Park ‘a game changer’ for Braves  —  Good morning.  This is LEADOFF, today's early buzz in Atlanta sports.  —  Braves president of baseball operations John Hart, in an interview on MLB Network this week, suggested SunTrust Park will be a recruiting tool as the team pursues players in the future.

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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.