Brewers sign Eric Thames to play first base  —  Milwaukee Brewers general manager David Stearns and his staff are not averse to thinking out of the box during their ongoing rebuilding process.  —  That became evident Tuesday morning when the Brewers announced a three-year deal with a club option …

After $1 billion in player spending, Dodgers under MLB mandate to cut debt  —  Guggenheim Baseball Management leaders — including, from left, Bobby Patton, Stan Kasten, Magic Johnson, Mark Walter, Peter Gruber and Todd Boehly — vowed in 2012 to build “something long-term, and sustainable.”

Marlins To Sign Edinson Volquez  —  The Marlins have reportedly struck a two-year deal with free agent righty Edinson Volquez.  Volquez will receive a $22MM guarantee, assuming he passes his physical.  —  Volquez hit the open market when he declined his end of a $10MM mutual option with the Royals.

Yanks cut Nathan Eovaldi, Nick Rumbelow, Joe Mantiply  —  NEW YORK — Injured pitcher Nathan Eovaldi has been released by the New York Yankees along with right-hander Nick Rumbelow and lefty Joe Mantiply.  —  The trio had been designated for assignment on Nov. 18, and the Yankees announced their release Monday.

Heyman: CBA talks back on as deadline looms  —  Union leaders and MLB negotiators will be back at the bargaining table Sunday in Dallas after a five-day respite.  And while an offseason lockout looms as a possibility for Thursday's deadline, high hopes remain for both sides to reach agreement …

Braves Acquire Alex Jackson  —  The Braves have struck a deal to acquire outfield prospect Alex Jackson from the Mariners, per club announcements.  Righties Rob Whalen and Max Povse are headed to Seattle in the deal, in which Atlanta will also pick up a player to be named later.

Reds Claim Juan Graterol, Gabriel Guerrero Off Waivers  —  The Reds have claimed catcher Juan Graterol off waivers from the Angels and claimed outfielder Gabriel Guerrero off waivers from the Diamondbacks, the team announced today.  In order to clear room on the 40-man roster …

Can the Pirates find a trade partner for Josh Harrison?  —  Plus, what should the Diamondbacks do with Zack Greinke and more in the latest notes.  —  One rival general manager described the Pirates on Thursday as a club that “generally” listens to trade offers for players under long-term control.

6 'can't-touch' players that could be the key to a Chris Sale trade  —  The price for the White Sox ace will be deservedly high.  Will anyone pay up?  —  “Can't do that.”  —  That's the phrase baseball people often use when confronted with the possibility of trading a top young player.

Slow CBA talks might hurt winter meetings participation  —  With Major League Baseball's winter meetings scheduled to start in less than a week, sources say club officials are aware of the possibility that teams won't participate if there is not sufficient progress in the on-going collective bargaining discussions.

Colby Jack and the Luckiest Staff of All Time  —  “Colby Jack” Coombs was one of the best pitchers in baseball in 1910.  The ace of Connie Mack's titanic Athletics, Coombs compiled a 31-9 record, leading the American League in wins and shutouts (13), and placing among the top-five in virtually every other important pitching category.

Brewers Claim Steve Geltz, Designate Adam Walker For Assignment  —  The Brewers announced on Monday that they've claimed right-handed reliever Steve Geltz off waivers from the Rays and designated minor league outfielder/first baseman Adam Walker for assignment.

St. Louis Cardinals Rumors: Andrelton Simmons Should Be 2017 Short Stop  —  Should the St. Louis Cardinals take a rider on a new short stop for 2017?  —  Improve defense.  This was suggested by GM Mozeliak as a desire for the 2017 St. Louis Cardinals in the wake of the defensive performance of 2016.