Top News:
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:
Athletics Nation, SBNation.com 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 …
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:
ESPN and Athletics Nation
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:
Halos Heaven, Associated Press, Viva El Birdos, Royals Review, MLB Trade Rumors and Bleed Cubbie Blue
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Pirates Willing To Stretch Payroll To Retain Martin — OCT. 1: Pirates owner Bob Nutting has now also voiced a willingness to stretch the payroll to retain Martin, writes Sawchik's colleague Rob Biertempfel. He quotes Nutting: … SEPT. 24: While the Pirates have previously had a philosophy …
Discussion:
Greensburg Tribune-Review
RELATED:
Tim Rohan / New York Times:
Former Yankee Russell Martin Helps Lead the Pirates — PITTSBURGH — Russell Martin had a decision to make. After two seasons as a Yankee, Martin was a free-agent catcher in the winter of 2012, about to turn 30. His next team and contract would be crucial to the rest of his career.
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout
Paul White / USA Today:
Miguel Cabrera turns down playoff bonus, just wants ring — BALTIMORE — You've heard it over and over, especially come playoff time: “It's not about the money.” — Detroit Tigers slugger and two-time MVP Miguel Cabrera might actually be backing up those words.
Discussion:
MLB and CBSSports.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
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:
HardballTalk and McCovey Chronicles
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
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:
McCovey Chronicles, True Blue LA and HardballTalk
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 and SBNation.com
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