Reverse Psychology  —  This is the Cubs' big chance.  This is their Red Sox moment.  —  The Cubs now face the same galling indignity, and the same disguised opportunity, that Boston grabbed so spectacularly four years ago when it trailed the Yanks three games to none but came back to reverse the curse.

Three-year deal with Yankees tops Bobby Abreu's wish list  —  Bobby Abreu loves New York.  In the coming weeks, that love will be put to the test.  —  The outfielder will have to decide on his baseball future in the next month or two, as he hits the free agent market for the first time in his 12-year career.

Mets skipper Manuel agrees to return  —  Jerry Manuel has agreed to return as New York Mets manager, SI.com has confirmed.  Manuel will get a two year contract, plus a club option for a third season.  —  When Manuel took over as interim manager for the fired Willie Randolph in mid-June …

Where are they now?  Former Yank Kevin Maas  —  Kevin Maas keeps sets of clothes for all types of weather and all types of sports in the trunk of his car these days and often changes en route from his office at Charles Schwab, where he is a financial consultant, to a gym or ballpark …

Why they'll win...  The Sox can, and I think will, win the World Series this year for a number of reasons:  —  UPDATE AFTER GAME 2!  Two really important pieces, that I think can mean quite a bit, or nothing at all, to different people.  They are coming home, where they are about as good as anyone …

Old man Jamie Moyer looks to finish Philly sweep  —  MILWAUKEE - After Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel reminisced Friday about Gil Hodges' World Series exploits in the 1950s, Jamie Moyer couldn't help himself.  —  “I think I faced Gil Hodges in that series,” Moyer joked.

Padres' Greene grievance won't be heard before spring training  —  A grievance the Padres are pursuing against shortstop Khalil Greene likely will not be heard before spring training, said Mike Weiner of the major league players association.  —  The union is representing Greene in response …

Wade will look to tweak Astros  —  Less work ahead for Houston GM than a year ago  —  HOUSTON — One year ago, a newly anointed general manager was handed the reigns of the Astros, with instructions from ownership to put together a competitive team on the big league level while rebuilding the farm system.

Howie Kendrick  —  I love Howie Kendrick.  I think he's a future batting champion.  But he needs to be on the bench on Sunday.  He needs to be far away from the batters box unless they're desperate for a pinch hitter.  He's 0-9 in the series with five strike outs, and he's left 11 men on base.

Rivera's surgery slated for Tuesday  —  Veteran closer looks to begin Spring Training on time  —  NEW YORK — Yankees closer Mariano Rivera will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his sore right shoulder on Tuesday, the team has announced.  The procedure will be performed by Dr. David Altchek …

Bill Murray offers advice to the Cubs  —  Bill Murray has not lost hope.  —  In fact, the life-long Cubs fan has some advice for the ailing boys in blue.  —  “They're not out of it yet, it's baseball,” said Murray, during a Friday interview with the Tribune to promote his new movie “City of Ember.”

Hurdle not alone regarding security  —  While a faction of the media has attempted to create a buzz about the future of Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, there never was a desire within the organization to make a managerial change.  —  And the fact he will be in the final year of his contract …