NEW YORK — The NHL issued a new proposal to the players' association Tuesday as a lockout looms next month.

And at least one side is happy about it.

“We believe,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said, “that we made a significant, meaningful step.”

CHICAGO — Starlin Castro was barely out of his teens when he made his big league debut. Now it looks as though he'll still be donning Cubbie blue when he hits his 30s.The Chicago Cubs and their young shortstop agreed to a seven-year contract with a club option for 2020.

SAN DIEGO — A group that includes the sons and nephews of former Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley has closed its $800 million deal to buy the San Diego Padres.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans have removed receiver Kenny Britt from the physically unable to perform list, though he will not play Thursday night in the team’s preseason finale against New Orleans.