Execs expecting a ‘frenzy’ at the Deadline  —  Every year, as the calendar approaches the final days of July, teams around the Majors begin to feel the heat with regards to the Trade Deadline.  —  We're a little more than a week away, so we spoke with a half-dozen front-office executives …

Chaim Bloom explains how Chris Sale will impact Red Sox approach to trade deadline  —  Chris Sale is close to coming back to the major leagues.  Chaim Bloom said as much when appearing on the Greg Hill Show Thursday morning.  —  But that doesn't mean the Red Sox' Chief Baseball Officer …

Exclusive: Texas, Oklahoma reach out to SEC about joining conference  —  HOOVER, Ala. — A decade after major conference realignment shook up college football, big changes might again be on the horizon.  —  Texas and Oklahoma of the Big 12 have reached out to the Southeastern Conference …

Knicks' Reggie Bullock drawing interest from Celtics, 76ers  —  In coach Tom Thibodeau's words, the Knicks are looking at July 29's draft for “wings and shooters.”  —  They have one in their midst who performed admirably during their 41-31 season.  But they could lose him to a division rival …

Oakland approves new ballpark term sheet; A's say ‘not effective path forward’  —  Oakland City Council members voted 6-1 in favor of a nonbinding term sheet for the Oakland Athletics' proposed waterfront ballpark Tuesday, but the session ended with confusion as to whether negotiations between the city and the team would continue.

Tampa Bay Rays acquire slugger Nelson Cruz in four-player trade with Minnesota Twins  —  MLB, Tampa Bay Rays, Minnesota Twins  —  The Tampa Bay Rays acquired slugger Nelson Cruz from the Minnesota Twins on Thursday in a four-player trade.  —  The Twins received minor league pitchers Joe Ryan …

Injured Royals starter Danny Duffy piques Giants' interest, sources say  —  LOS ANGELES — With baseball's trade deadline a week from Friday, the Giants might have one unusual option: trading for a player who is currently on the injured list.  —  The team has expressed interest …

A look at how contract talks between Marlins, Marte unfolded and ended with no extension  —  The Miami Marlins and outfielder Starling Marte, after two weeks of back and forth discussion, were unable to agree to a contract extension.  —  What happened?  Here's the rundown:

Dave Roberts upset as Los Angeles fans boo Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen following blown save  —  Kenley Jansen served up the go-ahead home run to Wilmer Flores in Wednesday's ninth inning, blowing his second consecutive save in the Los Angeles Dodgers' 4-2 loss to the first-place San Francisco Giants …

Marcus Stroman and Jeurys Familia combine for 1-hit shutout against Reds  —  CINCINNATI — The Mets finally got a taste of what it's like to have dominant performances from both sides of the ball.  —  Marcus Stroman held Cincinnati to one hit over eight shutout innings and the offense crushed three home runs …