Top News:
Will Leitch / New York Magazine:
Going, Going... The greatest baseball player in the world is about to lead the game's most storied franchise to its thirteenth consecutive October in the playoffs. And then he might leave town. Inside A-Rod's Endgame. — T — he last time the New York Yankees didn't make the postseason, there was no postseason.
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ESPN:
Agent denies report of A-Rod to Cubs — Alex Rodriguez may redefine the term "franchise player," but his agent denies a report that he might soon become a franchise owner. — New York Magazine reported on Sunday that the Yankees third baseman could end up with the Chicago Cubs next season …
Associated Press:
A-Rod's agent denies report of Cubs deal — NEW YORK (AP) — Agent Scott Boras says he hasn't had talks with any of the possible bidders for the Chicago Cubs about Alex Rodriguez, denying a report on New York Magazine's Web site. — Rodriguez can opt out of the final three years of his contract …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Bernie Wilson / Associated Press:
Rockies close within 1 1-2 for wild card — SAN DIEGO (AP) — A wild-card race that was already wild turned absolutely bizarre Sunday, and Milton Bradley was right in the middle of it for the San Diego Padres. — Bradley was ejected and then hurt his right knee when Padres manager Bud Black spun …
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David Pinto / Baseball Musings:
Milton Bradley Blowup — You know it has to happen sooner or later. Milton Bradley is at first, and he's jawing with the umpire. Instead of ignoring Milton, the ump answers him. Bradley goes after the ump, but the first base coach, Meacham, stops him. Meacham then takes up the argument, but Bradley goes after the ump again.
Discussion:
Gaslamp Ball
ESPN:
Padres' Bradley hurt arguing, steps on Cameron — SAN DIEGO — Padres left fielder Milton Bradley took out center fielder Mike Cameron, and then himself. — Cameron left Sunday's game against the Colorado Rockies in the seventh inning with a bruised right thumb and index finger after he had his right hand stepped on by Bradley.
Dylan Hernandez / Los Angeles Times:
Dodgers avoid playoff elimination — A young lineup featuring Billingsley, Abreu and Loney leads L.A. to a 7-1 victory over the Diamondbacks. — The Dodgers can't be officially eliminated from playoff contention for at least two more days. — Fielding a lineup comprised almost entirely …
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Andrew Bagnato / Associated Press:
Dodgers end 7-game skid, rip Arizona — PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks know exactly who's chasing them — and what they must do to wrap up the NL West title. — But the Diamondbacks wasted a chance to extend their division lead Sunday, losing 7-1 to Chad Billingsley and the Dodgers as Los Angeles stopped a seven-game skid.
Discussion:
AZ Snakepit
Howard Fendrich / Associated Press:
Bullpen blows lead, Phils lose to Nats — WASHINGTON (AP) — His club lost a game on the field and lost ground in the standings Sunday, yet Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel chose to look on the bright side: At least his top relievers got some rest for the stretch run.
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John Perrotto / Beaver County Times & Allegheny Times:
Bucs rethinking GM pick? — The Pittsburgh Pirates' general manager search may not be over after all as Chairman Bob Nutting and President Frank Coonelly are rethinking their decision to offer the job to Neal Huntington after word of their choice leaked to the media last Thursday night.
Associated Press:
Angels dump M's to clinch AL West crown — LIKE THIS STORY? — ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - John Lackey and the Los Angeles Angels gave their fans another reason to wave those rally monkeys. — The Angels clinched their third AL West title in four years Sunday, with Lackey leading them to a 7-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
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Associated Press:
Mussina helps Yanks gain game on BoSox — LIKE THIS STORY? — NEW YORK (AP) - A playoff berth all but clinched, Mike Mussina pitched the New York Yankees within 1 1/2 games of Boston in the AL East with a week to go. — Mussina won his 250th game, backup catcher Jose Molina had three hits …
Discussion:
Bronx Banter
Rick Gano / Associated Press:
Zambrano wins 17th, Cubs increase lead — CHICAGO (AP) — Derrek Lee was a member of the Florida Marlins four years ago when they came to Wrigley Field and won the NL championship series. What he heard from the crowd Sunday in the Chicago Cubs' regular-season finale at home sounded very familiar.
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
Tom Withers / Associated Press:
Cleveland 6, Oakland 2 — CLEVELAND (AP) — From shoveling snow to spraying champagne. — The Cleveland Indians, who slipped and slid around April's home opener during a freakish spring storm, capped an unforgettable season at Jacobs Field on Sunday with a sun-soaked championship.
