Cards notes: Matheny defends Molina  —  • By Derrick Goold dgoold@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8285  —  LOS ANGELES  • There was a moment during Game 1's brouhaha on the field between the Dodgers and Cardinals when the yelling had quelled and Cardinals manager Mike Matheny …

Royals reliever Kelvin Herrera expected to return on Sunday  —  After playing catch with Royals reliever Kelvin Herrera during batting practice on Saturday, pitching coach Dave Eiland said Herrera should be available for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium.

Playoffs Today  —  It's sweep Sunday as both the Orioles and Royals go for a sweep of their best of five series.  The Orioles play an afternoon game at 3:45 EDT in Detroit.  Bud Norris takes on David Price.  Both pitchers won 15 games in the regular season, Norris losing eight, Price 12.

Free Agent Profile: Justin Masterson  —  In 2013, Justin Masterson turned in a career season for the Indians as he pitched to a 3.45 ERA with 9.1 K/9 and 3.5 BB/9, earning an All-Star Game nod and piquing the attention of baseball people everywhere.  No one knew where he would wind up after the 2014 season …

Mariners Notes: Payroll, Roster Analysis  —  Here's the latest out of Seattle.  — The Mariners increased attendance by about 300,000 fans in 2014, and that means there is extra money to spend, writes Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times.  We learned earlier today that fellow Times writer …

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 …

Dave Wallace thrives with the Orioles  —  It doesn't often happen in baseball that you're hired on merit alone, not because you know somebody.  —  That's where Dave Wallace's story starts.  —  Wallace, who oversaw the Red Sox' 2004 pitching staff, was busy grooming Julio Teheran, Mike Minor …

With mid-level fastball, Padres lefty has developed challenging four-pitch mix  —  Padres starter Eric Stults lasted six innings, allowing two runs and drove in two at the plate as the Padres defeated the D-backs, 6-2  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — Eric Stults doesn't have fastball envy.

There are ways Mets can improve without spending spree  —  This was a losing season for the Mets, but not a lost season.  —  They received huge steps forward by Vic Black, Travis d'Arnaud, Jacob deGrom, Matt den Dekker, Lucas Duda, Jeurys Familia, Wilmer Flores, Dilson Herrera, Jenrry Mejia and Zack Wheeler.

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.