Gold Glove Awards finalists revealed  —  The American League-champion Royals pointed all season to their airtight defense as a primary element in their success, and the Rawlings Gold Glove Award finalists disclosed on Thursday affirmed that view.  —  First baseman Eric Hosmer …

Joe Maddon opts out of contract … Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon has exercised an opt-out clause in his contract and is leaving the team immediately.  —  “We tried diligently and aggressively to sign Joe to a third contract extension prior to his decision,” Rays owner Stuart Sternberg said in a statement.

Omar Infante battles through pain and emerges on offense for Royals  —  The life returned to Omar Infante's right arm last week.  His bat had to wait a few extra days.  He delivered his signature moment as a Royal in the second game of the World Series, smacking his first home run in two months …

Wheelchair no handicap for Mets fan calendar model Amanda Perla  —  Twenty-five-year-old Perla, who broke her neck in a car accident seven years ago, was the top vote getter among the 100 or so entries to appear in ‘The 7 Line’ calendar,' an annual promotional pinup featuring attractive young women wearing Mets-inpired clothing.

Gillick: Phillies not a contender in 2015 or 2016  —  Most fans think it.  Most analysts think it.  Pat Gillick does, too.  —  Here's what the Phillies' senior advisor and interim CEO said when asked how far away the team is from contending:  —  “I think where we are right now …

Corner outfielders will both be free agents at end of next season  —  9/23/14: Jason Heyward scores from third on Andrelton Simmons' double play, giving the Braves a 2-0 lead  —  ATLANTA — Looking back on the disappointing season the Braves recently completed, one could argue that Jason Heyward …

Yankees Arizona Fall League overview  —  Aaron Judge and Greg Bird headline a strong contingent of Yankees prospects on display in the Arizona Fall League  —  The longest stretch of baseball in Aaron Judge's life began when he reported to Yankees Minor League Spring Training in March.

Beat reporter T.R. Sullivan answers questions from Rangers fans  —  6/5/14: Mitch Moreland slaps a ground ball to left field off Chris Tillman to give the Rangers an early 2-0 lead in the 1st inning  —  Do you think the Rangers will be in the market for the big free agents now that the new television contract starts in 2015?

(USATSI)  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Giants and third baseman Pablo Sandoval haven't had contract talks since spring training and that won't change until after the World Series ends, but the Giants will extend the $15.3 million qualifying offer to Sandoval, according to people familair with their thinking.

Giants' Strickland: ‘My emotions got the best of me’  —  Giants reliever Hunter Strickland has a fiery right arm and a mound demeanor to match.  —  “He's an intense kid,” manager Bruce Bochy said.  —  Wednesday night, that intensity mixed with the frustration of Strickland allowing …