Top News:
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Two-time AL Manager of the Year to be introduced by club on Monday — MLB.com analyst Jim Duquette discusses the Cubs' decision to dismiss Rick Renteria and hire former Rays manager Joe Maddon to lead the team — CHICAGO — The Cubs dismissed Rick Renteria on Friday …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com and DRaysBay
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MLB.com:
Cubs Fire Manager Rick Renteria — The Chicago Cubs today announced that the club has fired manager Rick Renteria. Renteria, the 53rd manager in franchise history, led the club for the 2014 season after being named to the position on November 7, 2013. — Cubs President Theo Epstein released the following statement:
Discussion:
Deadspin, Bleed Cubbie Blue, HardballTalk, Bleacher Report and Baseball America
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
So, does this Joe Maddon-to-Cubs deal feel icky? Deal with it — This Joe Maddon business is, well, just that. Business. — Yeah, it's a little dirty. Baseball is a little dirty. Life is a little dirty. — But rest assured, most will quickly move on from the sordid details of L'Affaire Maddon.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors and Bleed Cubbie Blue
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Cubs Fire Rick Renteria
Cubs Fire Rick Renteria
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue and Baseball Prospectus
Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Club loses Dirks, McCoy to waiver claims; Iglesias reinstated from 60-day DL — 10/2/14: Max Scherzer pitches 7 1/3 innings, allowing five runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out six in Game 1 of the ALDS — DETROIT — The Tigers announced qualifying offers to free agents Max Scherzer …
Tracy Ringolsby / MLB.com:
Longest-tenured GM follows proven strategy — Giants GM Brian Sabean explains why the organization has had such great success after capturing its third title in five seasons — Shortly after Brian Sabean became general manager of the Giants, he orchestrated a trade that was arguably one of the most unpopular in franchise history.
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer …
Dick Kaegel / MLB.com:
Royals manager calls procedure ‘absolutely nothing to worry about’ — 10/30/14: Ned Yost reflects on the Royals' memorable 2014 season, despite falling short of the team's goal of a World Series championship — KANSAS CITY — Royals manager Ned Yost delayed his return home to Georgia …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Arizona Diamondbacks scouting director Ray Montgomery leaves team — The Diamondbacks' front office shakeup continued Friday with the departure of well-regarded scouting director Ray Montgomery, who left the organization to accept a high-ranking position with the Milwaukee Brewers, according to multiple baseball sources.
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
Leon Halip / Toronto Star:
Blue Jays claim Andy Dirks, sign Canadian Jeff Francis Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos stays active after adding Justin Smoak, Liam Hendriks. — The Jays claimed outfielder Andy Dirks, formerly of the Tigers, off waivers Friday. — Photos View photos — zoom
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter and HardballTalk
Steve Dilbeck / Los Angeles Times:
Why the Dodgers should hang on to Andre Ethier — Here's an idea sure not to warm the cockles of most Dodgers fans' hearts: — Don't trade Andre Ethier. — Don't trade Carl Crawford or Matt Kemp or Yasiel Puig. Keep 'em all. So what if they don't make for one big happy family?
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
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Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Sources: Angels likely to shake up infield to address pitching needs — Expect a different look in the Angels' infield next season. — The team is likely to trade either second baseman Howie Kendrick or third baseman David Freese to address other needs, according to major-league sources.
Discussion:
HardballTalk, Amazin' Avenue, MLB Trade Rumors and MLB Daily Dish
Associated Press:
Indians exercise $3.5M option on IF Aviles — CLEVELAND — The Indians have exercised their $3.5 million option for next season on versatile infielder Mike Aviles. — In his second season with Cleveland, the 33-year-old Aviles batted .247 with 16 doubles, five homers and 39 RBIs in 113 games.
Discussion:
Let's Go Tribe
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Jon Heyman / CBSSports.com:
Yankees hire Eric Chavez as a special assignment scout — The Yankees have hired longtime star third baseman Eric Chavez as a special assignment scout. — Chavez, the former A's, Yankees and Diamondbacks player who retired this year, has said all along he wants to remain in the game.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, HardballTalk and River Avenue Blues
Jared Diamond / Wall Street Journal:
Mets' Jeff Wilpon Denies Firing Employee for Out-of-Wedlock Pregnancy — Team's Chief Operating Officer Responds to Lawsuit Brought by Former Executive — Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon, who was recently accused of firing a former team executive because he objected to her having …
Discussion:
New Jersey Online and Metsblog
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Brewers Exercise Mutual Option On Aramis Ramirez — The Brewers have exercised their half of a $14MM mutual option on third baseman Aramis Ramirez, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports (Twitter link). Ramirez and his agents at Kinzer Management will now have three days to decide whether to accept …
Discussion:
Al's Ramblings
Philly.com:
Dick Allen makes it onto Hall of Fame ballot — Dick Allen could finally be headed to Cooperstown. — The BBWAA's Historical Overview Committee selected 10 Golden Era finalists for entry, with “Golden Era” referring to those who made significant impact during their careers in Major League Baseball between 1947 and 1972.
Discussion:
The Good Phight
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