Thousands came out to cheer Alex Gordon, but this time, not at Kauffman Stadium. On Thursday night, it was at the Country Club Plaza. And, oh yes — the roar of the crowd was also directed at thousands of holiday lights.

The story of Hank the Ballpark Pup continues to raise money and spirits in Wisconsin. “I am personally going to be celebrating ‘Hanksgiving’ this year with my family,” said the Wisconsin Humane Society’s Angela Speed.

As part of their partnership with the Padres, Papa John’s awarded Ross with 250 pizzas to the charity of his choice for his outstanding on-field delivery. Ross’ charity was the Monarch School, a school for children impacted by homelessness located a long fly ball from Petco Park.

Trevor Story is a good athlete with the ability to hit for average with some power and run with good baseball instincts that can lead to stolen bases, writes MLBPipeline.com’s Bernie Pleskoff.

Third baseman Rio Ruiz, who is ranked ninth among the Astros’ top prospects, has the tools and the athletic nature to find success, writes MLBPipeline.com’s Bernie Pleskoff.

Departed designated hitter Billy Butler gave thanks to Kansas City fans and the Royals organization on Thursday by taking out a full-page ad in the Thanksgiving edition of the Kansas City Star.

Diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in Spring Training, Orioles Minor League catching coordinator Don Werner was confined to his home and endured numerous surgeries, 16 chemotherapy treatments and 35 radiation treatments, the last of which came Friday to officially clear Werner as cancer-free. And while he didn’t step foot on a baseball field for nine months, the O’s were with Werner nightly.

In the baseball world, no matter your rooting interest, there’s plenty to be thankful for and optimistic about. Here on Thanksgiving, let’s review those reasons, shall we?

Alan Trammell was everything we want in a Hall of Famer, right? He spent his entire 20-year career with one team. He was a World Series champion. But a jam-packed 2015 ballot doesn’t bode well for Trammell, who deserves enshrinement, writes MLB Network’s Matt Yallof.

The World Series champion San Francisco Giants now have a rather large vacancy at the hot corner. General manager Brian Sabean is never shy when he knows what he wants and needs, and he’s going to have some decisions to make regarding third base for 2015.

With Yasmany Tomas, Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez coming off the free-agent market this week, potential trade candidates are grabbing the Hot Stove headlines. All-Star players such as Matt Kemp, Yoenis Cespedes and Jimmy Rollins are among the names reportedly drawing interest.

By the time Major League Baseball’s season comes to an end, most players want nothing more than to head straight home and relax. Not Curtis Granderson, who has been spending time supporting charities, delivering speeches and participating in fundraisers for children.

Cuban outfielder Yasmany Tomas and the D-backs have agreed to a six-year deal worth $68.5 million, according to industry sources. The D-backs have not confirmed the agreement.

The wave of big-money deals for Cuban free agents continued to surge Wednesday, when sources told MLB.com that the D-backs have agreed to a six-year, $68.5 million contract with24-year-old slugger Yasmany Tomas.

The Phillies will have to look elsewhere for a power bat in the outfield now that Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas has agreed to a deal with the D-backs.

Joe DiMaggio is one of the greatest players in the history of Major League Baseball. There is no argument about that. But on Tuesday, which would have been his 100th birthday, one baseball historian questioned DiMaggio’s defensive skills as a center fielder.

Yasmany Tomas’ six-year, $68.5 million deal will become the largest contract given to a free agent in D-backs history.