Top News:
Anne Baker / Boston Globe:
Omen? Citgo sign burns in small fire — The flames from the Red Sox' skidding season seem to be spreading. The Citgo sign that looms over Fenway Park caught fire this morning, the plastic partially melting in a small electrical blaze inside the storied sign.
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Michael Vega / Boston Globe:
Maddon: Kazmir's Game 5 start is no surprise — Saying he was not a fan of “last-minute changes,” Rays manager Joe Maddon met with the media today at Fenway Park to explain that the sudden switch he made from James Shields to Scott Kazmir as his Game 5 starter Thursday night against the Red Sox was, in fact, a premeditated move.
Adam Kilgore / Boston Globe:
Sox upbeat — The Red Sox came off the field after an optional workout a short while ago, their final act as a team before tomorrow's essential Game 5 at Fenway Park. Terry Francona and starter Daisuke Matsuzaka met with media, neither saying anything that would make headlines.
ESPN:
An omen? Fenway's famous Citgo sign catches fire — BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox's season isn't quite up in flames, but a small fire at a landmark near Fenway Park can't be a good omen. — The fire Wednesday melted and blackened some of the plastic panels on the red …
ESPN:Rays pulling tarp off upper-deck seats at the Trop
Discussion:
Baseball Digest Daily Blog, Bugs & Cranks, ESPN.com, Washington Post and Red Sox Monster
ESPN:
Rocket not upset with Yanks, lacks desire to play — Roger Clemens said Wednesday that reports he is unhappy with the New York Yankees are untrue. — “The reports were false as many have been over the course,” Clemens told Houston's KRIV-TV about reports he was unhappy the team didn't include …
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myfoxhouston.com:
Clemens Not Unhappy with Yankees; Lacks Desire to Play Again — Roger Clemens took part in the Wednesday pro-am attached to the Administaff Small Business Classic at the Woodlands Tournament Players Course. It's part of the Houston stop of the Champions Tour and Clemens is on the board of the tournament.
Jim Molony / MLB.com:
Clemens content staying on sidelines — Right-hander not working with Astros, mum on legal woes — HOUSTON — Roger Clemens said Wednesday that reports claiming he was upset at not being included in the farewell ceremony at Yankee Stadium couldn't be further from the truth.
Discussion:
MLB FanHouse
Ken Davidoff / Newsday:
Nats interested in Randolph — The Washington Nationals are interested in hiring Willie Randolph as either Manny Acta's bench coach or third-base coach. (AP Photo) — Here's a duo of National League East events that could happen — without dramatically stretching reality — in the next year:
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Sources: Nats interested in Randolph — Washington wants former Mets manager to be bench coach — WASHINGTON — The Nationals are seriously interested in hiring Willie Randolph as a bench coach, according to baseball sources. The news about Washington's interest in Randolph was first reported by Newsday in New York.
Discussion:
William World News
Dave Cameron / FanGraphs Baseball:
Big Ball > Small Ball — “Pitching wins championships.” — “The difference between good teams and great teams are the little things.” — “Hitting behind the runner, making productive outs, and playing team baseball are the keys to winning.” — If you've ever watched a baseball …
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St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cards claim lefty off waivers — The Cardinals picked up another Washington Nationals castoff today, adding lefthanded reliever Charlie Manning to their 40-man roster after claiming him off waivers. — In August, the Cardinals added infielder Felipe Lopez to their roster after the last-place Nationals cut him.
Paul Pringle / Los Angeles Times:
Dodgers tap into anger about their unruly home fans — Dodgers fans cheer for Manny Ramirez after he hits a double in Game 4 of the NL Championship Series against Philadelphia. Team spokesman Charles Steinberg conceded the issue of alcohol-fueled rowdiness “is not solved.”
Fox Sports:
When Dodgers' season ends, the real game begins — The Dodgers' season could end tonight. Ken Rosenthal says that's when the real fun could begin for free agent Manny Ramirez.
Tim Dierkes / MLB Rumors:
Latest Peavy Chatter — By Tim Dierkes [October 15 at 10:39am CST] — 10:39am: More from Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Peavy has a strong preference for the NL, and wants to play for a winner. Axelrod mentioned Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and St. Louis as cities that fit for Peavy and his family.
Discussion:
The Cub Reporter (TCR), Lone Star Ball, Gaslamp Ball, C70 At The Bat, San Diego Union-Tribune and iYankees
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