Top News:
Mike Jensen / Philly.com:
McCarver outspoken about L.A.'s dread man — Be sure of this much: When Manny Ramirez walks to the plate for the first time tomorrow night for the Dodgers, Fox analyst and former Phillie Tim McCarver won't pull his punches. Never has, never will. — “It's extraordinary …
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Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Remembering When Philly Was, Briefly, a Winner — PHILADELPHIA — If you could relive the happiest moment of your childhood, where would you go? I'm lucky, I suppose, because I never have to think twice. — It was Oct. 8, 1983, a quarter of a century ago Wednesday.
Discussion:
ShysterBall
Ross Newhan / Los Angeles Times:
Don Mattingly is a big hit with the Dodgers — Batting coach, one of the great hitters in New York Yankees history, has been integral in L.A.¡¦s late-season offensive resurgence. — The offensive awakening of the Dodgers can be labeled a 3-M production: Manny, Mattingly and Maturity.
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Mull it over, Skip: Rotation yet to be set — Francona debating who would be best to take ball in Game 1 — BOSTON — Though this is the third time Terry Francona has been to the American League Championship Series in his five years as manager of the Red Sox, it's the first time he's …
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From Sun-Times / Chicago Sun Times:
No surgery for Harden; Cubs pick up his option — Rich Harden will not need surgery on his right shoulder, and the Cubs exercised the $7 million club option on the right-hander for 2009. Harden went 10-2 with a 2.07 ERA for Oakland and the Cubs this season.
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By Rick Telander / Chicago Sun Times:
Cubs pipe smasher(s?) should confess — If Cubs did break Dodger Stadium water pipe, it's time to fess up — You never want to add insult to injury. But sometimes it happens. — Especially when you're defeated, angry, confused, impotent and — above all — embarrassed.
Mark Feinsand / NY Daily News:
Yanks decide against a Stadium swan song — Yankee Stadium is officially closed for business. — A Nov. 9 concert was proposed as a final farewell for the House That Ruth Built, but the Yankees, fearing a less-than-memorable lineup, have bagged the celebration.
Discussion:
The LoHud Yankees Blog, NJ.com, Bronx Banter, iYankees, Yankee Stadium Insider Blog and Scott Proctor's Arm
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Garett Sloane / AM New York:
Yankee Stadium goes out on a whimper as planned finale axed — Fan cheers during a game at Yankee Stadium. (amNewYork photo/ RJ Mickelson / September 17, 2008) — The Yankees have scratched plans to host one final farewell to the stadium, disappointing New Yorkers who were counting on a last visit to the House that Ruth Built.
Dan Shaughnessy / Boston Globe:
Zimmer the ultimate common denominator — He's always there in the Red Sox October photos - shaking hands with Carlton Fisk as Fisk rounds third after the midnight moonshot off the left-field foul pole; standing in the dugout hanging his head when Bucky Dent hits the pop-fly homer into the net …
Discussion:
Dan Shaughnessy Watch
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Gary Shelton / St. Petersburg Times:Bring on Boston — In a now familiar sight — but not old …
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports, FishStripes, Deadspin, Red Sox Monster, Barstool Sports, New York Times, Boston Globe and Bats
Jon Heyman / Sports Illustrated:
Examining baseball's final four (cont.) — Philadelphia Phillies — This Phillies team has major stars, including the last two MVPs in Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard, and starting pitcher Cole Hamels, whose changeup has been devastating. But the thing that stands out about these players …
Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com:
Shapiro: We'll be ‘relentless’ shoppers — In addition to ‘pen, infield help, GM would like top-flight starter — CLEVELAND — Plenty has been written to describe the Indians’ 2008 season. — In his annual postseason session with reporters, general manager Mark Shapiro did his best to describe it in a single statement.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
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Paul Hoynes / Plain Dealer:CLEVELAND INDIANS — Baseball News, Schedule, Pictures, and More
Discussion:
WaitingForNextYear
Larry Stone / Seattle Times:
Mariners to begin GM interviews — The Mariners, jump-starting the process of hiring a general manager, will interview five candidates this week, according to industry sources... The Mariners, jump-starting the process of hiring a general manager, will interview five candidates this week, according to industry sources.
ESPN.com:
Report: Japan to ban amateurs from going to MLB — Established Japanese professional players have been coming to Major League Baseball for several years. However, Japan's 12 pro baseball teams are trying to make it so the country's amateur players don't follow suit.
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Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
George Kissell: 1920-2008 — February 23, 2005 — Cardinals instructor George Kissell addresses the team after the unveiling of a plaque recognizing Kissell's longtime dedication during spring training at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla. (CHRIS LEE/P-D) — Early one morning several years ago …
