Braves confident in health of Donaldson, McCann  —  The Braves' splashy Cyber Monday was applauded, but it would be remiss to ignore it brings some level of risk despite short-term deals.  —  Catcher Brian McCann and third baseman Josh Donaldson signed with the club, making the Braves one of the early go-getters of the winter.

Robinson Cano to the Mets?  As unlikely as it may sound, the two teams are still talking  —  Jeff McNeil is not looking over his shoulder - or at Twitter and MLB Network these days.  —  The infielder heard second hand that new GM Brodie Van Wagenen said he was “penciled in,” to be the Mets starting second baseman in 2019.

Rich Hill offers interesting revelation about Game 4 of World Series  —  Rich Hill was involved in the most controversial decision of this year's World Series.  Obviously, when the President of the United States weighs in, the moment probably is of some significance.

MLB has deal with MGM Resorts  —  MGM Resorts International became Major League Baseball's official gambling partner in the U.S. and Japan, a deal made as the sport tries to ensure more prevalent legal sports betting does not lead to any scandals of the type sparked by illegal wagers in its past.

Freddie Benavides announced as Cincinnati Reds bench coach; Delino DeShields promoted  —  With a goal of completing the Major League coaching staff by the end of November, the Reds introduced four hires to David Bell's staff on Wednesday.  —  The Reds announced Freddie Benavides …

Projecting Payrolls: Milwaukee Brewers  —  As we kick off the ninth installment of this series, here are links to the previous team payroll projections:  —  Los Angeles Dodgers  —  Los Angeles Angels  —  Atlanta Braves  —  New York Yankees  —  Chicago White Sox  —  Boston Red Sox

Jim Riggleman, Adam Guttridge hired as Mets blend the old with the new  —  The Mets bolstered their bench and analytics department with the additions of Riggleman and Guttridge, respectively.  —  The Mets came in with the old and the new on Tuesday.  —  On the same day they introduced …

Dodgers Acquire Adam McCreery, Designate Pat Venditte  —  The Dodgers announced Wednesday that they've acquired left-hander Adam McCreery from the Braves in exchange for cash.  To open a spot on the 40-man roster, switch-pitcher Pat Venditte was designated for assignment.

Tony Clark to Continue as Executive Director of MLB Players Association  —  The union voted to keep Clark in his position through at least 2022  —  One year after the worst employment market for baseball players in memory, the MLB Players Association has decided to stand behind its leader …

Yankees suddenly facing battle for their top free-agent target … The last time the Yankees and Phillies competed in a high-stakes setting, the Yankees copped the 2009 World Series title and christened the latest rendition of Yankee Stadium in a grand way.  —  Nine years later …

Cubs Acquire Ronald Torreyes  —  The Cubs have acquired recently designated infielder Ronald Torreyes in a swap with the Yankees, per an announcement.  Cash or a player to be named later will head to New York in return.  —  Torreyes, 26, makes his way back to an organization that once had him as a minor-leaguer.

Cubs fill 40-man roster after signing of left-hander Kyle Ryan  —  Chicago Tribune  —  The Cubs temporarily filled their 40-man roster Wednesday by agreeing to terms with left-hander Kyle Ryan.  —  Ryan, 27, was 1-2 with a 2.86 ERA in 22 appearances (eight starts) with Triple-A Iowa.

Dodgers Add Chris Gimenez To Coaching Staff  —  The Dodgers announced their finalized coaching staff Wednesday, including the hiring of catcher Chris Gimenez as their new “game planning coach.”  That appointment, it seems, will bring a 10-year Major League career to a close for Gimenez.

Suburban Chicago native Curtis Granderson voted baseball's Man of the Year for 3rd time by players  —  Free agent outfielder Curtis Granderson, a suburban Chicago native, became the first three-time winner of the Marvin Miller Man of the Year, part of the players' association's Players Choice Awards.