More likely Braves land LeBron than Bryce Harper  —  It's fun to play the what-if game with Bryce Harper, imagining him dropped into the middle of a particular lineup.  There are Braves fans who view this as more than fantasy, however, based on the response to a tweet posted the other day, after Atlanta signed Josh Donaldson.

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.

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.

Prized hitting guru Robert Van Scoyoc, 3 others join Dodgers coaching staff for 2019  —  LOS ANGELES — Robert Van Scoyoc, the 32-year-old cutting-edge hitting instructor who helped turn J.D. Martinez into a superstar, was announced as the Los Angeles Dodgers' new hitting coach on Wednesday.

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

Cleveland Indians OF Michael Brantley named AL Comeback Player of the Year by peers  —  Brantley hit .309 over 143 games this past season with 89 runs scored, 17 home runs, and 76 RBIs.  —  He may very well have played his last game in an Indians uniform, but Michael Brantley continues to make an impact.