Ignore that spin from the brass - he was fired  —  Terry Francona was fired yesterday.  The longtime manager and the Red Sox brass used a lot of polite words and tried to make it sound mutual, but Francona turns out to be the first victim of the greatest collapse in baseball history.

Ryan Howard's HR backs Roy Halladay, Phils win Game 1  —  PHILADELPHIA - Ryan Howard took a mighty cut, dropped his bat and admired the shot.  —  The big slugger didn't go down looking in a clutch spot this time, and Roy Halladay overcame a shaky start to help the Philadelphia Phillies beat …

Live Analysis: Yankees-Tigers, A.L.D.S. Game 1  —  Jorge Posada lined a single in the bottom of the second inning as play resumed.  —  After rain spoiled things Friday night, it's easy enough to forget that tonight's action is still actually Game 1 of the American League division series between the Tigers and Yankees.

Angels embark on wide-open GM search  —  Blessed with a committed (and willful) owner and a decorated and authoritative manager, the Los Angeles Angels set out this weekend to identify the person who would take Arte Moreno's money, fit it into Mike Scioscia's philosophy …

Voice of Yankees Draws High Ratings and Several Critics  —  “It is high, it is far.  It is gone!”  John Sterling, author of more than a few trademark expressions, says: “I never hear any criticism to my face.”  —  Walking through the crowded hallway just outside the locker rooms …

Split-Finger Fastball, Once Popular, Is Falling Away  —  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — In the 1980s, everyone was doing it.  —  From Jack Morris and Roger Clemens to practically every pitcher on Roger Craig's staff in San Francisco, the split-finger fastball was the ticket to success on the mound.

Andy Pettitte to toss first pitch Sunday  —  NEW YORK — Andy Pettitte will be on the Yankee Stadium mound for Game 2 on Sunday.  —  Instead of being in his customary role as the Yankees' postseason stopper, Pettitte will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.  —  “It is exciting,” Pettitte said.

Parker in Diamondbacks Bullpen vs Brewers  —  MILWAUKEE (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Jarrod Parker made the team's roster for the NL division series against Milwaukee.  —  Manager Kirk Gibson made the announcement before Game 1 on Saturday.  —  The Diamondbacks top pitching prospect …

Mystical pull of magical numbers … Last Wednesday night may have provided the most gripping and bizarre interval in baseball history.  The Boston Red Sox couldn't close out the Baltimore Orioles ?and instead closed out one of the great collapses in modern memory.