Top News:
Mark Newman / MLB.com:
Postseason schedule set; Fall Classic opens Oct. 21 Playoffs begin with AL Wild Card Game on Sept. 30, followed by NL game a day later — Major League Baseball announced the postseason schedule on Thursday, starting on Sept. 30 with the American League Wild Card Game presented by Budweiser …
Jesse Sanchez / MLB.com:
Cuban slugger Tomas moves closer to MLB eligibility — Outfielder unblocked by US government; showcase in Dominican Republic next week — 3/6/13: Yasmany Tomas launches a deep home run to left-center field to give Cuba a 1-0 lead against Japan in the World Baseball Classic
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors and Metsblog
Greg Logan / Newsday:
Rafael Montero wins first as Mets blank Rockies again … It might be hard to tell from the meager body count in the seats at Citi Field, but suddenly, Mets games in September have taken on some meaning. Call the wild-card chances of a sub-.500 team a major long shot if you like …
Discussion:
New York Post and Metsblog
RELATED:
ESPN:
Red Sox chairman hints at free-agency spree … Calling this season a “nightmare,” Boston Red Sox chairman Tom Werner hinted Thursday that the team would not hesitate to go big in free agency this winter in an effort to get back into contention. — “I wouldn't say that we have limitless money …
Discussion:
Over the Monster
RELATED:
Rany / Rany on the Royals:
Royals Today: 9/11/14. — Playoff Odds (ESPN/Fangraphs): 78.9% (62.3% Division, 16.6% Wild Card) — Playoff Odds (Baseball Prospectus): 77.9% (47.4% Division, 30.5% Wild Card) — Well, I hope all of you who criticized the Royals for making the James Shields trade are preparing your apologies.
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter
Bill Chastain / MLB.com:
Sternberg: Rays' payroll likely to go down — NEW YORK — Stu Sternberg spoke to reporters prior to Wednesday night's game at Yankee Stadium, and the Rays' principal owner made it clear that he expects a payroll reduction for 2015. — “It's clearly going to be lower,” Sternberg said.
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Canadian Press:
Sale outduels Kazmir, White Sox beat Athletics — CHICAGO — Chris Sale bested Scott Kazmir in a brilliant pitchers' duel, light-hitting Marcus Semien homered for the only run and the Chicago White Sox edged the rapidly fading Oakland Athletics 1-0 Thursday. — The A's lost for the 11th time in 14 games.
Discussion:
South Side Sox and Associated Press
Associated Press:
Cueto Outlasts Lynn as Reds Beat Cardinals 1-0 — CINCINNATI — Johnny Cueto pitched eight scoreless innings to beat Lance Lynn and send the St. Louis Cardinals to their third consecutive loss 1-0 Thursday. — Aroldis Chapman pitched the ninth for his 33rd save and third in the last three games.
Discussion:
Red Reporter and Canadian Press
MLB.com:
Crawford, Garcia named 2014 Paul Owens Award winners — Shortstop J.P. Crawford and right-hander Luis Garcia have been named the recipients of the 2014 Paul Owens Awards as the best player and pitcher, respectively, in the Phillies minor league system, Joe Jordan, Director, Player Development announced today.
Discussion:
The Good Phight
Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
Konerko working toward return on road trip — Retiring captain expected to hit for first time on Saturday — 9/10/14: Paul Konerko and Robin Ventura discuss the latter's impending retirement and career in Chicago — CHICAGO — Paul Konerko still plans on returning to action during …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Daniel Kramer / MLB.com:
Jaso, Gentry feeling effects of concussions — Catcher returns to Oakland; outfielder injured Tuesday night in collision — 9/9/14: Craig Gentry collides with Carlos Sanchez at first base and, after a visit from the trainer, leaves the game under his own power
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Associated Press:
Hutchison Fans 10 as Blue Jays Beat Cubs 11-1 — TORONTO — Drew Hutchison matched his career-high with 10 strikeouts in 6 1-3 innings, Dioner Navarro had two hits and two RBIs, and the Toronto Blue Jays completed a three-game sweep with an 11-1 win over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night.
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter and Bleed Cubbie Blue
TSN.ca:
Royals visit Tigers, Giants host Diamondbacks on TSN2 — The Sports Network — Catch a doubleheader of September baseball action on TSN2 tonight. First, tied for top spot in the AL Central, division rivals go head-to-head when the Detroit Tigers host the Kansas City Royals.
Discussion:
Canadian Press, True Blue LA, SBNation.com, Athletics Nation, Royals Review and Lookout Landing
RELATED:
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Diamondbacks can't decide sabermetrics philosophy
Diamondbacks can't decide sabermetrics philosophy
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors