Top News:
Jane Lee / MLB.com:
A's veteran slugger isn't called on in first postseason game — 9/30/14: Bob Melvin discusses his decision to not insert Adam Dunn into the game, based on the A's taking the lead in the top of the 12th — KANSAS CITY — Beyond the obvious sorrow clouding yet another A's postseason gone wrong …
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles and HardballTalk
RELATED:
Doug Padilla / MLB:
A's Adam Dunn on bench vs. Royals — KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In a winner-take-all game where runs figure to be at a premium, the Oakland Athletics prioritized defense over the potential for more scoring chances with a surprise starting lineup. — Manager Bob Melvin's lineup …
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
DON'T EXPECT BEANE TO STAND PAT IN WAKE OF A'S COLLAPSE — So now what does Billy Beane do? — One rival executive raised an interesting possibility in the aftermath of the Athletics' stunning 9-8 loss to the Royals in the American League wild-card game: — Trade right-hander Jeff Samardzija.
Discussion:
HardballTalk and SBNation.com
Tim Kurkjian / ESPN:
Five questions for Tigers-O's series — This series is all about the big three: the three great starting pitchers for the Detroit Tigers and the three crucial players who will not be playing for the Baltimore Orioles. — This might suggest a mismatch, but those who see it that way weren't watching the 2014 season.
Discussion:
Camden Chat and Bless You Boys
RELATED:
Noah Trister / Globe and Mail:
Max Scherzer to start Game 1 for Tigers in ALDS
Max Scherzer to start Game 1 for Tigers in ALDS
Discussion:
Camden Chat and Bless You Boys
Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com:
O's lose many key players during season, but general manager answers every time
O's lose many key players during season, but general manager answers every time
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Bless You Boys and Camden Chat
Jerry Crasnick / MLB:
Dayton Moore's vision validated — Royals' GM had a plan for how to build a winning team in a small market — Sometimes the definition of leadership is sticking with a plan and putting one foot in front of the other when things aren't going well, your job security is being questioned …
Discussion:
Associated Press, Viva El Birdos, Royals Review, MLB Trade Rumors, Halos Heaven and Bleed Cubbie Blue
RELATED:
Doug Padilla / ESPN.com:
A's Geovany Soto out for thumb injury — KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Oakland Athletics went to their bench in just the third inning when Geovany Soto left Tuesday's American League wild-card game with a left thumb injury. — A's manager Bob Melvin said before the game that Soto got the call …
Discussion:
Athletics Nation
Vince Lara-Cinisomo / Baseball America:
MLB To Test Pace-Of-Game Initiatives In AFL — Major League Baseball on Wednesday said it would begin testing some ideas aimed at quickening the pace of game at the Arizona Fall League. — AFL games begin Oct. 7 and run through the championship game on Nov. 15. — Among the experimental rules are:
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Diamondbacks interview Andy Green for managerial job — (Photo: Rob Schumacher Rob Schumacher/The Republic) — The Diamondbacks began the interview process for their managerial opening on Monday by talking with internal candidate Andy Green, who just completed his second season as the manager at Double-A Mobile.
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish
Clark / Miami Herald & MiamiHerald.com:
Miami Marlins making moves in right direction — They won more games. They scored more runs. They even attracted more fans. — While the Marlins failed to make the playoffs for the 11th consecutive season — the third-longest postseason drought in the majors — they provided clear signs …
Discussion:
Fish Stripes, HardballTalk and Red Sox Monster
RELATED:
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Latest On Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins' Payroll
Latest On Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins' Payroll
Discussion:
Fish Stripes
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Epstein Says Cubs Intend To Compete In 2015 — Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said today that he believes the club is prepared to compete in the NL Central next year, as MLB.com's Carrie Muskat reports. “I think we've proved we can be very competitive in this division …
Discussion:
Muskat Ramblings
Richard Goldstein / New York Times:
George Shuba, 89, Dies; Handshake Heralded Racial Tolerance in Baseball — George Shuba, the Brooklyn Dodgers outfielder who played in three World Series during the 1950s but who was best remembered for his welcoming gesture to Jackie Robinson at home plate on the day Robinson, as a minor leaguer …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Michael Lananna / MLB.com:
Ryu to toss simulated game in bid for Game 3 start — 9/20/14: Hyun-Jin Ryu is seen playing catch before the Dodgers-Cubs ballgame, as he hopes to recover from injury and return to the rotation — LOS ANGELES — Left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu will throw a 45-pitch simulated game at Dodger Stadium …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs have the cash to pursue a marquee pitcher — The Cubs believed they had enough money last winter to make an honest run at free-agent pitcher Masahiro Tanaka. — But with about $41 million off the books from this year's obligations — including the final $14 million installment …
Discussion:
Over the Monster, Cubs Den and csnphilly.com
RELATED:
Quinn Roberts / MLB.com:
Newly acquired slugger led Major Leagues in outfield assists with 16 in 2014
Newly acquired slugger led Major Leagues in outfield assists with 16 in 2014
Discussion:
HardballTalk