Top News:
MLB.com:
A letter to fans from Frank Coonelly — Dear Pirates Fans: — I am extremely excited to officially announce today that we have hired Neal Huntington as our new General Manager. After a comprehensive search for a baseball executive who can restore the culture of success within the Pirates organization …
RELATED:
Jenifer Langosch / MLB.com:
Pirates hire Huntington as new GM — Exec spent past 10 years within the Indians' organization — PITTSBURGH — Looking for a general manager with a keen eye for evaluating talent and a scouting background, the Pirates announced early Tuesday that Indians advance scout Neal Huntington …
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout
Will Carroll / Baseball Prospectus:
Huntington's Challenge — Neal Huntington, now officially the Pirates new General Manager, won't have to learn to talk like a Pirate, though he is facing several challenges with his new team. Let's take a quick look at some of the ones he can have the most effect on.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Bob Raissman / NY Daily News:
Keith Hernandez vents frustration over the airwaves — Figuring out how Mets fans are dealing with the frustration of a team living on the edge is not a priority. What about the Mets broadcasters? They can try hiding their frustrations, but what the heck? — Why not just let it out?
RELATED:
Roger Rubin / NY Daily News:
Nationals thump Mets, lead over Phillies is 2 — The Nationals are a team of up-and-comers and reclamation projects. There isn't a household name on the roster and they've been out of the playoff picture pretty much since the season started. And now they have become an enormous headache for the Mets at a critical juncture.
Wallace Matthews / Newsday:
These Mets lack a killer instinct — Pity poor Willie Randolph. Try as he might, he can't turn these sleeping dogs into pit bulls. — Right now, he's got three gamers - David Wright, Moises Alou and Paul Lo Duca - and a clubhouse full of Mister Softees who wouldn't have survived …
Janie McCauley / Associated Press:
Padres acquire OF Lane from Astros — SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Needing a fast fix in their injury-depleted outfield, the San Diego Padres acquired Jason Lane from the Houston Astros on Monday for a player to be named or cash. — Lane was expected to join the club Tuesday …
RELATED:
Dawn Klemish / MLB.com:
Sox to face A's, Twins in final week — Oakland (75-82) at Boston (92-64), Tuesday, 7:05 p.m. ET — With a postseason berth assured, Red Sox Nation is clamoring for a little more this time around. — Hey, guys, how about a Division championship? — "It's a challenge," starter Tim Wakefield said.
Discussion:
Fox Sports
RELATED:
Dan Shaughnessy / Boston Globe:
In the season's last week, they need to stay on top of things — The playoff-bound Red Sox are home tonight to start the final six games of the regular season, and manager Terry Francona continues to straddle the line between playing for the division title (and the best record in the league) …
Discussion:
Surviving Grady
Joe Capozzi / Palm Beach Post:
Pitching coach opts to 'explore options' — Pitching coach Rick Kranitz has left the Marlins because of what sources described as a dispute over his salary for next season. — With a 66-90 record and six games left, the Marlins are headed toward one of the worst finishes in their 15-year history, largely because of poor pitching.
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding
RELATED:
John Lowe / Detroit Free Press:
Ordonez — amidst batting title race — will undergo MRI on left heel today — Tigers outfielder Magglio Ordonez said Monday night he will have an MRI exam today on his left heel, which has caused him pain much of the season. — Ordonez said he and the club want to make sure …
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
George Vecsey / New York Times:
East Races Are as Different as N.L. and A.L. — At 6:08 p.m. on my laptop digital clock yesterday, both New York teams had the bases loaded. Alex Rodriguez was at bat in the Bronx while Carlos Delgado was up in Florida, two of the great hitters of this generation.
Maureen Mullen / Boston Herald:
Lynn: Ellsbury has familiar look — In 15 games as a September call-up, the Red Sox [team stats]' 6-foot-1, lean, left-handed center fielder went 18-for-43, hitting .419 with two doubles, two triples, two home runs and 10 RBI, setting the stage for a historic rookie season.
Joe Cowley / Chicago Sun Times:
Erstad: Take it and move on — Sox outfielder-first baseman not dwelling on unproductive 2007 — The mind truly is a terrible thing to waste. — In some cases, an even scarier place to visit. — Welcome to the world of White Sox veteran Darin Erstad, where you enter at your own risk.
Discussion:
FanHouse
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Willis assesses future with Marlins — Club's all-time winningest pitcher uncertain of his return in '08 — MIAMI — Numbers alone don't measure the value of Dontrelle Willis. They never have. — A consummate professional with boundless energy and enthusiasm, Willis has been the face …
