What to make of latest Smoltz story?  —  Philadelphia — Things to ponder while marveling at how quickly a story hinting at a possible new address for John Smoltz will inevitably mushroom in the internet era, and wondering if some folks will stop the “AL is superior” mantra if Philly becomes …

Royals exploring deal to send Teahen to Indians for outfielder  —  The Royals are discussing a possible trade with the Cleveland Indians in which they would acquire an outfielder in exchange for Mark Teahen, according to sources with both teams.  —  Talks are believed to center …

Sources say ESPN set to break up Morgan-Miller team  —  Could the 19-year “Sunday Night Baseball” broadcasting partnership of ESPN's Jon Miller and Joe Morgan be coming to an end?  And will their ESPN Radio call of the Rays-Phillies World Series be the final chapter?

Every Given Sunday  —  Wish Lists and Intentions  —  The Red Sox looked like a beaten-down and broken-down team as they walked through the tunnel way of Tropicana Field to the team bus last Sunday night.  The Red Sox had lost Game Seven of the ALCS about an hour earlier to the Rays …

Force play  —  After his grating escape to Los Angeles, Ramirez will strike it rich again  —  Their last drop of goodwill wrung dry, the Red Sox and their brooding star parted ways.  It was July 31, 2004, and the newly traded Nomar Garciaparra was headed out the door when Manny Ramírez embraced …

A battle between two very poor managers  —  Warning: The following is especially harsh on the two World Series managers, Manuel and Maddon.  If you have a weak stomach or are a friend or relative of theirs, use caution when reading this.  —  I don't know about you, but as a baseball analyst …

Cubs curse seems to have followed free agent Barrett  —  When the Padres traded for Cubs catcher Michael Barrett, they underestimated the Billy Goat Curse.  —  Barrett joined the Padres in June 2007, then experienced a career-worst hitting slump, fielding difficulties, a concussion …

A check on what's cooking  —  Front burners warm with Hot Stove talk  —  As the World Series draws closer to a conclusion, the Hot Stove talk should start escalating right through the winter meetings in December.  And likely beyond.  —  Many teams, including the Red Sox, have already outlined a “game plan” in internal discussions.

Hinske active, Floyd out, Zobrist starting  —  The Rays activated INF/OF Eric Hinske on Sunday to replace Cliff Floyd, who has an injured right shoulder.  —  “It's kind of bittersweet because you never want to see anybody get hurt,” Hinske said.  “But I'm excited to be active and have a chance to help anyway I can. ...

BRONX BUMMER: BURNETT MAY NOT WANT TO BE A YANK  —  PHILADELPHIA - The Yankees are willing to spend big glue to repair their starting rotation.  But are they able?  —  With C.C. Sabathia looking to stay in the NL and liking Southern California, the only way the Yankees land the left-handed stud …

Flowers continues power surge  —  Braves prospect homers for fourth time in three games  —  Tyler Flowers didn't let a hitless night in the Arizona Fall League's Rising Stars Showcase get in the way of his recent power surge.  —  The Braves prospect homered for the third straight game Saturday …

Pujols wins Clemente Award  —  Cardinals first baseman honored for play, off-field efforts  —  PHILADELPHIA — For each of his first eight years in Major League Baseball, Albert Pujols has produced more than 30 home runs and 100 RBIs.  That already is twice as long as anyone ever did before …