Top News:
Jayson Stark / ESPN:
Improbable D-backs just know how to win … CHICAGO — They defy the numbers. They defy the experts. They practically defy logic itself. — But that's the beauty of those improbable Arizona Diamondbacks. They're a reminder to all of us that there are no magic formulas in this game they play.
Discussion:
Out in the Desert
RELATED:
Jeff Passan / Yahoo! Sports:
The one left behind — Deer-hunting season opened in Oregon about a week ago, so Wally Backman stocked his RV with food and ammo and headed for Pueblo Mountain. It's serene up there - about 6,000 feet above sea level, only eight miles to the Nevada border and a world away from the National League playoffs.
Rick Gano / Associated Press:
Diamondbacks finish 3-game sweep of Cubs — CHICAGO (AP) — Short on stars but brimming with young talent, the Arizona Diamondbacks pulled off a sweet playoff sweep and celebrated like October regulars. — For the anguished Chicago Cubs, it's another cry of `Wait Til Next Year.'
Discussion:
Fox Sports
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Melvin confident with Hernandez — Manager set to start former Series MVP — CHICAGO - The Diamondbacks will be stepping out of one raucous environment and into another today at Wrigley Field, and Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin is pleased to be handing the ball to veteran Livan Hernandez in such a situation.
David Pinto / Baseball Musings:
Playoffs Today — Two National League teams go for sweeps today in the National League Division Series. The Diamondbacks and Cubs start the evening at Wrigley with Livan Hernandez facing Rich Hill. As the Arizona Republic points out: … Livan is showing his real age …
Howard Bryant / ESPN:
Yankees counting on Clemens to save season … NEW YORK — The details of the night of Oct. 17, 2003, otherwise known as Game 7 of the American League Championship Series between the Red Sox and Yankees, remain seared into baseball consciousness and do not require much recap …
RELATED:
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Again, the Indians Create the Buzz — It is natural to be drawn to Joba Chamberlain, to the irresistible story of the rookie fireballer from Nebraska who saved the Yankees' season. But nobody expected the bugs from Lake Erie to care. — Yet they were attracted to Chamberlain …
Pat Borzi / New York Times:
Stage Is Set for Schilling to Try Out His New Act — The ingredients for a spectacular performance landed softly in Curt Schilling's lap Saturday. — The Red Sox need one victory to finish off the Los Angeles Angels in the American League division series. Schilling is scheduled to start Game 3 Sunday afternoon.
RELATED:
Dan Shaughnessy / Boston Globe:A walkoff winner — Homer in 9th by Ramírez puts Sox up 2-0
Discussion:
Hartford Courant, Boston Sports Media Watch, Boston Herald, Los Angeles Times and The Soxaholix
David O'Brien / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Mets' Glavine declines $13 million option for 2008 — Schuerholz silent on Braves' interest — Tom Glavine took the first step toward a possible return to the Braves on Friday when the left-hander declined a $13 million option with the New York Mets. — The move made Glavine eligible …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
John Brattain / Hardball Times:
Yost infection — Sometimes you find the best information in the oddest places. For instance: I find blogs a treasure trove of useful information. The thing is, as you know, I also write for a mainstream outlet. The demographic of the readers there is a lot different from the ones here …
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
Dejan Kovacevic / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Analysis: Tracy's future with Pirates was not in cards — Chaotic clubhouse, emotional attachment to Dodgers key to failure — June 24, Anaheim, Calif.: The Pirates are less than 24 hours removed from a 10-1 loss, and strength coach Frank Velasquez is working out feverishly in the exercise room …
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Wrapping it up from Jacobs Field — No audio tonight. There were so many people in the clubhouse that getting any clean tape was impossible. — Not much to say, anyway. The Yankees haven't hit. You can't win many games with one run. It's the entire team.
Neil Hohlfeld / Houston Chronicle:
Nottebart, Houston franchise's first no-hit pitcher, dies — Area resident, who made history in '63 as a Colt .45, succumbs at 71 — Don Nottebart, who pitched the first no-hitter in Houston franchise history for the Colt .45s in 1963, died Thursday in Cypress.
Discussion:
The Griddle
Mark Hale / New York Post:
GLAVINE TURNS DOWN OPTION — As expected, Tom Glavine turned down his option yesterday to return to the Mets in 2008. — Glavine had a $13 million vesting option. The deadline for his decision was yesterday, but he was a long shot to accept the option. Even by declining it, he can still return to the Mets.
