Somebody, somewhere, once stated that major events happen in threes, and in the sports newspaper world, a sad trifecta is about to take place: On the heels of Chicago Tribune NBA encyclopedia Sam Smith taking a buyout, and Boston Globe sports staple Jackie MacMullan doing the same, multiple sources tell us that venerable New York Times baseball scribe Murray Chass is in the final stages of accepting a buyout.

Multiple sources say that Chass’s impending departure is involuntary (read: He doesn’t want to leave, but they want him out), and about 98 percent done. We emailed New York Times sports editor Tom Jolly to get confirmation, but have not heard back. Sources we spoke with anticipate Smith and MacMullan quickly being snapped up by online entities for their impeccable sources and the ability to break news; the sources are unsure whether or not Chass will be as fortunate.

Arguably the best takedown of Chass was penned by – who else? – Fire Joe Morgan in 2007. We highly recommend it.

Jackie Mack Taking Latest Globe Buyout (Scott’s Shots)