Top News:
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Solid as a rock — Beckett, bats come out blazing vs. Rockies in Game 1 — BOSTON — Two days, it turns out, was the perfect amount of time for the Red Sox to recharge and reload for the showcase known as the World Series. — In fact, the Sox looked like relentless world beaters …
RELATED:
Alex McPhillips / MLB.com:
Pedroia's leadoff homer makes history — Sox infielder first rookie to lead off World Series with long ball — BOSTON — It took Dustin Pedroia exactly two pitches to make a mark on his first World Series. — Josh Beckett had hardly finished striking out three Rockies before Pedroia …
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
Nate Silver / Baseball Prospectus:
Rockies versus Red Sox — Tonight, the Colorado Rockies will become the fifth franchise in the past 11 years to make its virgin appearance in the World Series, following in the footsteps of the 1997 Marlins, the 2001 Diamondbacks, the 2002 Angels, and the 2005 Astros. The Rockies combine elements from each of those clubs.
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Red Sox, Rockies to be closer than expected — LIKE THIS STORY? — BOSTON - I'm tempted to pick the Rockies. — A split at Fenway Park, and the threat of an upset becomes real. A split at Fenway, and the Red Sox might actually be in trouble, considering the disadvantages they will face at Coors Field.
Discussion:
Boston Globe
Jayson Stark / ESPN:
Why that other team (Rockies) will win in six … BOSTON — The team with the most household names is not going to be the team that wins this World Series. — The team that plays in Ben Affleck's favorite hallowed ballpark is not going to be the team that wins this World Series. — Oh.
Mike Fitzpatrick / Associated Press: With blazing fastball and ruthless attitude, Beckett owns October
Tracy Ringolsby / Rocky Mountain News:Canada is embracing native son Francis
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:Beckett's run reflects stuff of legend
Discussion:
Peter's Red Sox Forever
Buster Olney / ESPN:
Yankees should go with another Joe … The guess here is that Joe Girardi is going to be chosen to be the Yankees' next manager, getting the nod over Don Mattingly and Tony Pena. Here are the reasons why: — 1. Experience in running a game — Girardi and Pena have managed in the big leagues.
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NY Daily News:
Hank Steinbrenner says new manager inheriting 'team in transition' — By CHRISTIAN RED in New York and PETER BOTTE in Tampa — Meet the new Boss, same as the old Boss. Well, sort of. — Hank Steinbrenner, displaying some of the bluster that has made his father George famous …
Discussion:
New York Post
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
A-Rod named baseball's most clutch — Yankees slugger claims inaugural award presented by Pepsi — NEW YORK — The Yankees' year might have been an early loss if not for Alex Rodriguez's heroics. Time and time again, he came through with success in tight situations, helping to lead the club into the postseason.
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Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com:
O'Neil finds his place in Hall of Fame — Late Negro League icon honored with statue and award — BOSTON — Buck O'Neil may be gone, but he's certainly not forgotten. — The acclaimed late Negro League icon will be honored with a statue and an award in his honor, the National Baseball Hall …
MLB.com:
Yankees sign outfielder Jason Rees and catcher Eladio Rodriguez of the Israel Baseball League to Minor League contract — The New York Yankees announced today that they have signed outfielder Jason Rees and catcher Eladio Rodriguez to minor league contracts.
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Hit-and-run to join White Sox's arsenal — Guillen will stress small-ball tactics at camp — Spring training won't be dull if White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen has his way. — As Guillen talked Tuesday about the additions of third-base coach Jeff Cox and bullpen coach Juan Nieves to his staff …
David Nakamura / Washington Post:
D.C., Nats Officials at Odds Over RFK Parking Plan — The Washington Nationals said for the first time yesterday that the team expects some fans to park at RFK Stadium next season and ride a shuttle bus to the new ballpark more than two miles away. — But the team's announcement that fans …
TwinCities.com:
CHARLEY WALTERS: Twins pitcher Carlos Silva seeks four-year contract — A little birdie says the Twins have offered free-agent pitcher Carlos Silva a three-year deal worth slightly more than $7 million a season. Silva, however, wants at least one more year on a contract.
John Hickey / Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
Guillen likely to leave Mariners — Outfielder's departure would open spot for Jones in starting lineup — It is appearing more likely Jose Guillen will opt out of his contract with the Mariners for the 2008 season and become a free agent. — No decision has to be made until after the World Series …
