Top News:
Associated Press:
Indians' Westbrook Sinks Red Sox in Game 3 — CLEVELAND — Not their best. Not even second best. Jake Westbrook, right at home in the Jake, was exactly what the Cleveland Indians needed. — Westbrook, an often overlooked third wheel in the rotation, kept Boston grounded …
Discussion:
Boston Globe
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Dave Sheinin / Washington Post:
After Rest, Wakefield Ready to Get Started — Tim Wakefield last pitched for the Boston Red Sox on Sept. 29, the penultimate day of the regular season. Since then, he has had a cortisone shot in the back of his shoulder, was dropped from the Red Sox' AL Division Series roster and thrown …
John Perrotto / Baseball Prospectus:
Playoff Prospectus — Terry Francona — Four managers have guided their teams into the postseason in three of the past four years. Two are future Hall of Famers—St. Louis' Tony La Russa and the New Yankees' Joe Torre. Another is the Angels skipper Mike Scioscia, generally regarded as one of the best in the business.
Discussion:
Boston Globe
Amalie Benjamin / Boston Globe:
He's ready to step forward — Matsuzaka next in line, hoping to meet challenge — Daisuke Matsuzaka, working out yesterday, should have a lot running through his mind when he takes the mound tonight. (PAUL SANCYA/ASSOCIATED PRESS) — Daisuke Matsuzaka may not have been indulging …
Scott Miller / CBS SportsLine.com:
Stoneman to step down as Halos GM, move to consultant role — Bill Stoneman, the man who helped orchestrate the only World Series title in Los Angeles Angels history, is relinquishing the role, CBSSports.com's Scott Miller has learned. — Stoneman, 62, is planning to move to a consultant's position with the club.
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Cards re-sign Pineiro to two-year deal — LIKE THIS STORY? — The St. Louis Cardinals still don't technically have a general manager, but that isn't stopping them from doing business. — The Cardinals, seeking stability in their rotation, have re-signed right-hander Joel Pineiro to a two-year …
Discussion:
Cardinals Diaspora
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Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Pineiro agrees to deal with Cardinals — The Cardinals continued to complete their pre-free agency checklist Monday by agreeing to terms with starting pitcher Joel Pineiro on a two-year contract, pending completion of a physical, club and industry sources confirmed.
Yahoo! Sports:
Mets eye Jaramillo as hitting coach — New York Mets brass won't finalize Willie Randolph's staff until Texas Rangers hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo's contact expires at the end of the month and he can be pursued. But the Mets' 2007 coaches are largely expected to return …
Discussion:
Surfing the Mets
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Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
Mets eye Texas' Rudy Jaramillo for Willie's staff — DENVER - Mets brass won't finalize Willie Randolph's staff until Texas hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo's contact expires at the end of the month and he can be pursued. But the Mets' 2007 coaches are largely expected to return …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com, FanHouse, Mets Merized Online, Capitol Punishment, Kranepool Society and The Journal News
Randy Miller / phillyBurbs.com:
How to turn the Phillies into champions — We know who's on first and what's on second, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. And in keeping Abbott and Costello's spirit alive, starting at third base for your 2008 Phillies is ... I don't know. — At this point, neither does general manager Pat Gillick.
Sporting News:
SN awards: A-Rod is player of the year — The ballots are in from 488 major league baseball players and 30 managers — it's time to unveil Sporting News' 2007 baseball awards. Both managers of the year and the player of the year helped push their teams into the postseason …
Amy K. Nelson / ESPN:
Hernandez serves one up to good friend Torrealba … DENVER — All night, he flirted with speeds lower than his uniform number and turned in a playoff effort most would expect from a Hernandez brother. But when the game was on the line, Livan Hernandez let one pitch slip away to one of his best friends …
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Associated Press:
A-Rod in California for talks with Boras — LIKE THIS STORY? — NEW YORK (AP) - While New York Yankees officials prepared to gather in Florida to determine the fate of manager Joe Torre, Alex Rodriguez was in California to consult with agent Scott Boras on his negotiating strategy.
Discussion:
FanHouse
John Beamer / Hardball Times:
Eight free agents for 2008 — It might seem premature to be gassing about the upcoming Hot Stove given that we are in the midst of October baseball, but if you are a fan of any team bar the Indians, Red Sox, Diamondbacks and Rockies then your attention will be swiftly diverting to the offseason and dreams …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
Kevin Goldstein / Baseball Prospectus:
Monday Ten Pack — The offseason leagues have taken on a new dimension over the last few years, as the amateur draft has turned into an annual shenanigan fest. Arrieta is the perfect example. He entered the year as one of the better college pitchers around, projected as a mid- to late first-round pick …
