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.
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Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Jocketty's departure is bad sign for Cards — LIKE THIS STORY? — The Cubs are on a roll. Not only are they back in the postseason, but their two principal rivals in the NL Central — the Astros and Cardinals — are a dysfunctional mess. — FOX Bite — Videos — Cards, Jocketty part ways
ESPN:
Jocketty out after 13 years as Cards' GM — ST. LOUIS — Walt Jocketty is out after 13 seasons as general manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, one year after the team won the World Series for the first time since 1982. — "It caught him by surprise," a source close to Jocketty told ESPN The Magazine's Amy K. Nelson.
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos
Associated Press:
Zambrano yanked after 85 pitches — PHOENIX (AP) — Lou Piniella stuck to his plan and it was a costly one for the Chicago Cubs. — The Cubs manager said he would limit Carlos Zambrano to about 100 pitches against Arizona in Game 1 of the NL playoff series.
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Andrew Bagnato / Associated Press:
Diamondbacks, Cubs tied 1-1 in the 7th — PHOENIX (AP) — Brandon Webb and Carlos Zambrano kept down the offense on a hot night in the desert, and the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs were tied 1-1 after six innings of their first-round NL playoff series opener on Wednesday night.
Discussion:
Lookout Landing
Steve Buckley / Boston Herald:
The new Mr. October — Beckett again unhittable on big stage … The fallout from the 2003 American League Championship Series was tough on Red Sox [team stats] fans, so much so that most of them sat out the ensuing World Series between the Yankees and Florida Marlins.
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Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Complete feat: Ace, offense click — Beckett twirls gem as bats come out swinging in opener — BOSTON — The stage was brighter and the atmosphere was more tense, yet Josh Beckett and the Red Sox never so much as blinked at the added pressure. — Dominant all season long …
Discussion:
Red Sox Monster
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Ramirez has left shoulder surgery — Marlins' shortstop should be ready for '08 Spring Training — For more than a month, Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez played through a sore left shoulder. — On Wednesday in South Florida, the 23-year-old underwent surgery to repair his labrum.
Discussion:
FishStripes
ESPN:
Glavine likely to decline Mets option, mull future — NEW YORK — Tom Glavine is likely to decline his option with the New York Mets by Friday's deadline, giving the pitcher time to think about his future. — Differing media outlets put the option at between $9 million and $13 million.
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Wardrobe malfunction costs Hamels — Phillies starter rebounds after shedding uncomfortable shirt — PHILADELPHIA — Was Cole Hamels overdressed for the occasion? — In hindsight, the 23-year-old Phillies ace says yes. — Wearing a long-sleeve red shirt under his white pinstriped jersey …
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Geoff Young / Hardball Times:Why the Rockies will beat the Phillies
Discussion:
FanHouse, Fox Sports, Purple Row, Denver Post, Washington Post, Rocky Mountain News, Knuckle Curve, Baseball Musings, Ducksnorts and A CITIZEN'S BLOG
Jason Beck / MLB.com:
MLB shatters attendance record — Eight teams set franchise records, and 15 reported increases — For the fourth consecutive year, Major League Baseball has set a single-season attendance record, drawing nearly 80 million fans to games during the regular season.
Discussion:
Hardball Times
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Yost remains with Brewers for 2008 — Organization offers vote of confidence for fifth-year skipper — MILWAUKEE — If there was any lingering speculation about Brewers manager Ned Yost's job security after his team could not win a division it had led for 133 days, general manager Doug Melvin ended it on Wednesday.
Discussion:
Al's Ramblings
Josh Kalk / Hardball Times:
A closer look at Jeff Francis' start against the Phillies — Jeff Francis held Phillies batters at bay yesterday afternoon going six innings giving up only four hits and two runs. Both runs were on back to back home runs by Aaron Rowand and Pat Burrell. Francis also struck out eight and only walked two.
Discussion:
A CITIZEN'S BLOG
Maury Brown / The Biz of Baseball:
Jerry Remy Voted President of Red Sox Nation — It was announced today that Red Sox Hall of Fame second baseman and NESN analyst Jerry Remy won a convincing victory in the election of President of Red Sox Nation. "Regular fans," however, finished out the top 5, including "Regular Rob" …
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 …
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