It's official: Francona leaves Red Sox  —  It's official, the Red Sox have released a statement saying they have parted ways with Terry Francona.  —  These statements from the Red Sox:  —  FROM JOHN HENRY, TOM WERNER AND LARRY LUCCHINO ON BEHALF OF THE BOSTON RED SOX:

Rays shell Rangers in ALDS opener  —  Matt Moore dominated in his second major league start, pitching seven innings of two-hit ball as the improbable Tampa Bay Rays opened the real playoffs with a 9-0 victory over the defending AL champion Texas Rangers on Friday.

Tigers-Yankees playoff opener suspended by rain  —  NEW YORK—The playoff opener between the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees was suspended because of rain in the second inning Friday night, probably wiping out the ace of each pitching staff for a few days.

Tony Reagins resigns as Angels general manager  —  A day after saying the Angels would have to be creative this off-season to address their roster deficiencies, General Manager Tony Reagins abruptly resigned Friday.  —  He will remain with the ballclub as a special assistant to club chairman Dennis Kuhl.

Greinke to start Game 2, Marcum in Game 3  —  By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel  —  The Brewers just announced that right-hander Zack Greinke will start Game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday against Arizona and right-hander Shaun Marcum will go in Game 3 on Tuesday in Phoenix.

Braves hire hitting coach Larry Parrish  —  ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves are shaking things up after a September flop cost them a second straight trip to the playoffs.  —  The first change came Friday: hitting coach Larry Parrish was fired after only one season.

My award picks for 2011 season … The wild card races aren't the only ones that went right down to the wire this season.  The MVP races in the National and American Leagues, which will be announced on Nov. 22 and 23, respectively, had great suspense.  Three players have a real shot at it in the NL and four in the AL.

‘Incognito’ Diamondbacks prepare for Brewers  —  When it comes to star power, even the Arizona Diamondbacks acknowledge they're no match for the Milwaukee Brewers.  —  Milwaukee has a pair of MVP candidates in Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder, and pulled the surprise of the off-season when they traded for standout starter Zack Greinke.

Blanton in bullpen as NLDS roster finalized  —  PHILADELPHIA — The Phillies finalized their roster for the National League Division Series on Friday, choosing Joe Blanton over David Herndon for the final spot in the bullpen.  —  It seemed to be the only tough decision they had to make.

Diamondbacks coach Baylor faints at Miller Park  —  MILWAUKEE—Arizona Diamondbacks batting coach Don Baylor was taken to a hospital after fainting at Miller Park on Friday morning.  —  Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers said Baylor had a “fainting episode” after eating breakfast in the clubhouse …