Top News:
Dan Shaughnessy / Boston Globe:
A low profile in that high altitude — Do you know this man? He's the starting pitcher for Colorado in Game 1 of the World Series. Give up? It's Jeff Francis. (JIM DAVIS/GLOBE STAFF) — No tradition this time. No storied rival that dates to the beginning of the 20th century.
RELATED:
Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Beckett's run reflects stuff of legend — The Impossible Dream, as it was called 40 years ago, couldn't survive a proud, fierce dose of reality known as Bob Gibson. — In this, the 103d World Series, the difference maker is pitching for the Red Sox, which could prove a nightmare for the Colorado Rockies …
Discussion:
Peter's Red Sox Forever
ESPN:
Simulations say ... Red Sox will be champions — The 2007 postseason has produced one of the more intriguing World Series matchups of recent years: the hot-hitting Boston Red Sox, fresh off yet another dramatic ALCS comeback, against the Colorado Rockies, winners of 21 of their last 22 …
Discussion:
THE BOOK
Tracy Ringolsby / Rocky Mountain News:
Canada is embracing native son Francis — Legend growing north of border for Game 1 pitcher — BOSTON - Jeff Francis was a Canadian rarity. He didn't grow up playing hockey. — "I played street hockey when I was young, but nothing competitive," he admitted. — Baseball was his passion.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Mike Fitzpatrick / Associated Press:
With blazing fastball and ruthless attitude, Beckett owns October — BOSTON —Josh Beckett takes some imposing tools to the mound. Blazing fastball, baffling curve — and an unmistakable mean streak. — Maybe that's the reason he owns October. — "He's got some presence out there with him …
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Painful shoulder sidelines Wakefield — Knuckleballer would have started Game 2 at Fenway Park — BOSTON — With a look on his face that seemed to be equal parts pain and resignation, Red Sox right-hander Tim Wakefield informed the assembled media that he will not pitch in the World Series.
Discussion:
Red Sox Monster
Brandi Griffin / Yahoo! Sports:
And leading off for the Rockies... "Oh, good. For a minute there I thought we were in trouble." — Butch Cassidy — Hi, my name is Brandi Griffin, aka Rox Girl from Purple Row, and for my first impression on Rox and Sox Blogtoberfest, I would like to do "Red Sox Blogger":
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Mike Lupica / NY Daily News:
Yankees should say adios to Alex Rodriguez — The Yankees have about three weeks left to decide how much Alex Rodriguez is worth to them. This is what they should do: Let him go if he wants to go. — By now you know the deal about his deal. The Yankees say that if Rodriguez exercises …
Discussion:
WasWatching.com
Joe Capozzi / Palm Beach Post:
Floyd wants to end career playing for Marlins again — Free-agent outfielder Cliff Floyd said he is thinking about retiring after 15 seasons. But first he wants to take a swing at ending his career where he had some of his best years - in Florida. — "I would love to come to the Marlins.
Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
Mets set to pass on Rangers' Rudy Jaramillo, stick with HoJo — BOSTON - The Mets are expected to stick with Howard Johnson as hitting coach and intend to pass on pursuing the Rangers' Rudy Jaramillo for that position, GM Omar Minaya said. — Three years ago, Minaya had interviewed Jaramillo …
Murray Chass / New York Times:
Sounding Like a Chip Off the Old Boss — Perhaps the Yankees have only themselves to blame for this revolting development, this idea of the Red Sox' playing the Colorado Rockies in the World Series. If it weren't for the Yankees, after all, the Red Sox wouldn't be there.
Discussion:
The Feeding the Monster Blog
RELATED:
Joel Sherman / New York Post:BOSS' SON NEEDS TO REMEMBER THESE ARE THE YANKEES, NOT THE HANK-EES
Discussion:
NY Daily News, Bronx Banter, Yes Joe, It's Toasted., Can't Stop The Bleeding and New York Times
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nationals filling last spots on 40-man — Nats add two pitchers, a first baseman and an outfielder — WASHINGTON — The Nationals added pitchers Garrett Mock and Justin Jones, first baseman Josh Whitesell and center fielder Roger Bernadina to the 40-man roster on Tuesday.
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Rockies can offer avalanche of hope — The Colorado Rockies lifted the World Series to new heights this week — in elevation, if not TV ratings — and stirred a slumbering baseball city. And as the one David of October to emerge and face a Goliath, the Rockies also have spread hope to the masses.
