Top News:
Bernie Miklasz / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Jocketty out as Cards' general manager — The Cardinals and general manager Walt Jocketty have "parted ways," according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation. — The Cardinals have scheduled a 4 p.m. news conference to discuss Jocketty's departure after 13 seasons as GM.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Deadspin, FanHouse, Viva El Birdos, Cardinals Diaspora, Bucs Dugout, Cincinnati Reds and BBTF's Baseball Primer …
Dave McKibben / Los Angeles Times:
Angel Stadium's a sellout; some fans may be too — With prices for playoff series tickets soaring, many are considering cashing in on their season-ticket investment. — After 3 million of them streamed through the turnstiles for five consecutive years, Angels fans have proved to be some of the most devoted in Major League baseball.
Discussion:
6-4-2
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Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
The matchups — Differences in how the teams positioned themselves into postseason by nick cafardo — Lineups — There are noticeable differences in style, but the most pertinent difference might be health. Boston has Manny Ramírez (strained left oblique) and Kevin Youkilis …
Dan Shaughnessy / Boston Globe:
Stitching the Red Sox together — GM Epstein points to deals, player development — His Red Sox are safely in the playoffs, but the ever-diligent Theo Epstein was still working the phone at Fenway Park yesterday. (JIM DAVIS/GLOBE STAFF) — It's different now.
Discussion:
Dan Shaughnessy Watch
Mark Feinsand / NY Daily News:
Yankees: The Best of 2007 — April 7: Alex Rodriguez hits a walkoff grand slam vs. Orioles at Yankee Stadium — A-Rod scores grand finale — Fifteen feet from the plate, Alex Rodriguez shucked his batting helmet and tossed it into the air. A moment later, he disappeared into a throng …
Discussion:
NJ.com
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John Harper / NY Daily News:
Turning to damaged Rocket & mediocre Moose is eerie tale — At first glance it seems the Red Sox did the Yankees a favor, choosing the playoff series with the extra off-day. By doing so they denied the Indians a chance to potentially utilize their co-aces, C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona, on full rest for four of the five games.
Discussion:
New York Post
Mike Lupica / NY Daily News:May be A-Rod's last shot to help Bombers opt into Series
Discussion:
New York Post
Anthony McCarron / NY Daily News:Joe Torre aces 'toughest' test, but will he be back?
Discussion:
New York Post
Geoff Young / Hardball Times:
Why the Rockies will beat the Phillies — The simple explanation, of course, is that the Rockies cannot lose. They are invincible. Look it up, there is not one single person on their roster named Vince. — Lame jokes aside, the Rockies are playing out of their heads right now …
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Tracy Ringolsby / Rocky Mountain News:
In Todd, Rockies trust — Helton helps end Colorado's 12-year playoff drought — When the Arizona Diamondbacks clinched the National League West title at Coors Field last weekend, Jeff Cirillo offered some good-natured needling to friend and former teammate Todd Helton.
Discussion:
Blue-Collar Baseball
David Pinto / Baseball Musings:
Playoffs Today — After an exciting finish to the regular season, three of the four League Division Series start today. I really like the schedule for the games. TBS provides a 3 1/2 hour window for each, which should be fine for all except the Yankees-Cleveland series.
Discussion:
Associated Press
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Terence Moore / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Braves make big mistake letting Andruw go — Commenting on this blog will re-open Wednesday morning. — Bad move. — Terrible move. — Actually, this is an atrocious move for the Braves, because manager Bobby Cox had it right for eternity when he said of Andruw Jones, who ranks 1a …
Discussion:
Sabernomics
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Pirate Blues / Bucco Blog:
Tidbits — John Perrotto is reporting what we first announced nearly one year ago on Friday the 13th — that Ed Creech may move into Brian Graham's job. At the time Graham was said to have other opportunities outside the organization and we mentioned numerous times Creech was all but certain …
Dejan Kovacevic / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Another day or two on Tracy decision — Pirates' Coonelly, Huntington keeping tight lid — It looks as if it will be another day before the Pirates deliver their decision on manager Jim Tracy and his staff. — Indications were strong late last night that nothing is forthcoming today …
Kristie Ackert / NY Daily News:
Paul Lo Duca says he wants to keep playing at Shea — Paul Lo Duca returned to Shea Stadium yesterday to clean out his locker and made it clear he hoped to be back next season. Problem is, he wants a multiyear deal that the Mets seem reluctant to give to him.
Discussion:
FanHouse
Mark Newman / MLB.com:
Pitch-f/x adds insight to watching games — Technology offers information on the machinations of pitching — The pitch to right-handed hitter Troy Tulowitzki was 88 mph with a four-inch break and an 11-inch "Pitch-f/x" value, and it was hit to the gap in left-center for an RBI double.
