Morales left flustered by new role  —  BOSTON — Rockies manager Clint Hurdle hesitated before shifting rookie left-hander Franklin Morales from the rotation to the bullpen.  —  "Very rarely do I like to take somebody and put him in a different role," Hurdle said before the World Series opened Wednesday night at Fenway Park.

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 …

Hank Steinbrenner preaches patience for new manager  —  BY MARK FEINSAND in New York and PETER BOTTE in Tampa  —  Patience is a virtue.  Just ask Hank Steinbrenner.  —  George Steinbrenner's oldest son preached patience with whoever lands the Yankees' managerial job …

My No-Longer Lovable Red Sox  —  As the Boston Red Sox get ready to play another World Series, for the first time in several decades their players will do so without the added burden of overcoming someone else's history.  While the 2004 Red Sox likely had the support of most fans around the country …

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.

Luis Castillo, Duaner Sanchez on mend  —  BOSTON - The Mets' Luis Castillo had his troublesome right knee cleaned during a recent surgical procedure, and should be 100% by Jan.1.  The Mets are expected to make a strong push to re-sign him, although they will wait to at least explore what second basemen are available via trade.

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.

Scout's take: Beckett vs. Francis in Game 1  —  Here's a look at the pitching matchup in Game 1 of the World Series between the Colorado Rockies and the Boston Red Sox:  —  Pitching plan vs. Rockies  —  Josh Beckett must continue to establish his fastball early in the game and early in the count …

Bonds bitter over departure from Giants  —  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Barry Bonds is just a tad bitter about his departure from the San Francisco Giants.  —  The 43-year-old home run king heard a long list of his accomplishments read during a special speaking forum Wednesday night hosted …

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 …