Top News:
Robneyer / Baseball Nation:
Rumor: Theo Epstein Leaving Red Sox For Cubs — What do you think? Is this just a terribly irresponsible rumor? Or the precursor for a Beantown bombshell? — @Joelsherman1 — Joel Sherman I am shocked, but in last 36 hrs every exec talk to says believe #Redsox will give permssion and Theo will go to #Cubs to be GM
Discussion:
HardballTalk, Projo Sox Blog, baseballmusings.com and Over the Monster
RELATED:
Dan Shaughnessy / Boston Globe:
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.
Discussion:
Associated Press, Dan Shaughnessy Watch and Deadspin
Gordon Edes / ESPN:
Departure makes your head spin — Did Terry Francona decide to leave on his own or did ownership help make up his mind? — ESPNBoston.com — BOSTON — It never ceases to amaze how an employee's termination notice can be spun to sound like a winning lottery ticket.
Discussion:
NoMaas.org, New Jersey Online and Boston Globe
Peter Abraham / Boston Globe:
Some random thoughts on the Red Sox — The Red Sox are a Machiavellian bunch. But I actually believe that John Henry fell on his yacht, got hurt and couldn't make the press conference yesterday. Look, if you were going to make up a story, nobody would make up a story about falling on a yacht.
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports, Over the Monster and LA Times Sports Blog
Alex Speier / Full Count:
Red Sox, Terry Francona part ways after eight years
Discussion:
Fenway West and HardballTalk
Associated Press:
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 …
Discussion:
Associated Press, Yahoo! Sports, Viva El Birdos and TSN.ca
RELATED:
Todd Zolecki / MLB.com:
Blanton in bullpen as NLDS roster finalized
Discussion:
Phillies Nation and The Good Phight
Benjamin Hoffman / Bats:
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.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys and Amazin' Avenue
RELATED:
Mike Fitzpatrick / Associated Press:
Tigers-Yankees playoff opener suspended by rain
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley and Bless You Boys
Tim Brown / Yahoo! Sports:
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 …
Discussion:
Fox Sports and MLB Rumors
Bill Pennington / New York Times:
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 …
Discussion:
The Big Lead
Associated Press:
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.
Andrew Marchand / ESPN:
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.
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Associated Press:
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 …
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports
