Cardinals figure out Kershaw … LOS ANGELES —  Giants pitcher Tim Hudson already has uttered the line of the postseason, stating “talent can take you a long ways, but what do you have between your legs?”  So, it was altogether fitting when a Dodgers player labeled Friday night's …

Jake Peavy leads Giants over Nationals in opening game  —  Never much of a post-season performer, Jake Peavy sure outpitched Stephen Strasburg in the former No. 1 pick's playoff debut.  —  Guess that October aura the San Francisco Giants proudly own has rubbed off on Peavy.

Free Agent Profile: Aramis Ramirez  —  Aramis Ramirez had an up-and-down season for the Brewers, who must sort out his mutual option and weigh a potential qualifying offer.  The 36-year-old can still be a force at the plate, and may be the best offensive third baseman available this winter.

Pirates Designate Jose Tabata For Assignment  —  The Pirates have designated right-handed-hitting outfielder Jose Tabata for assignment, according to the MLB.com transactions page.  Tabata's struggles led to him being outrighted earlier in the year, though he made his way back to the big league roster …

Hosmer's HR gives Royals 2-0 ALDS lead over Angels  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. - Breaking down Game 2 of the AL Division Series at Angel Stadium:  —  Box score: Royals 4, Angels 1, Royals lead series 2-0  —  Royals 4, Angels 1: The majors' best team in the regular season is one loss away from a quick and ignominious exit from the playoffs.

Changes In Atlanta Extend To Scouting Department  —  As first reported by Peter Gammons (Twitter link), the Atlanta Braves are expected to replace scouting director Tony DeMacio.  In his place, an industry source confirmed to Baseball America, Atlanta will promote crosschecker Brian Bridges …

Closer collects two saves in ALDS after frenzied journey from N.C. for birth of son  —  10/2/14: Royals closer Greg Holland talks about saving Game 1 of the ALDS and the strength of the bullpen  —  ANAHEIM — It's not an understatement to say that Royals closer Greg Holland is having the best week of his life.

Mets not giving Wally Backman promotion  —  The Mets will have a new addition to the coaching staff in 2015 - and it won't be Wally Backman.  —  Despite continued success at the minor league level, Backman will not be promoted to the staff next season, a source told Record baseball columnist Bob Klapisch.

Shaky Tigers bullpen may be deciding factor vs. Orioles  —  BALTIMORE - The Detroit Tigers entered this year's playoffs with a trio of Cy Young Award winners in their starting rotation - and a whole lot of question marks in the bullpen.  —  If the script for Game 1 of the American League …

Process will begin next week with interim manager on list  —  9/27/14: Rangers president and GM Jon Daniels joins the team's broadcast booth to discuss the team's offseason plans  —  ANAHEIM — Tim Bogar is one of six candidates who will interview for the Rangers managerial opening beginning early next week.

Banks, Caray sculptures to be refurbished during offseason  —  The Ernie Banks statue at Wrigley Field will be refurbished during the stadium's renovation.  —  CHICAGO — Renovations to 100-year-old Wrigley Field continued Wednesday as the statue of Ernie Banks on Clark Street was temporarily removed for restoration.