Top News:
Charlie Wilmoth / MLB Trade Rumors:
Blue Jays, Brewers Swap Adam Lind, Marco Estrada — The Brewers have acquired 1B/OF Adam Lind from the Blue Jays, Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish tweets. SportsNet.ca's Ben Nicholson-Smith initially reported the two sides were close to a deal. The Jays will receive righty Marco Estrada in return …
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter, HardballTalk, MLB Daily Dish, Bleacher Report, CBSSports.com and Al's Ramblings
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Ben Nicholson-Smith / Sportsnet.ca:
Blue Jays exercise 2015 options on Happ, Thole — The Toronto Blue Jays exercised the 2015 options of left-hander J.A. Happ ($6.7 million) and catcher Josh Thole ($1.75 million), the team announced Saturday. — The club also exercised Adam Lind's option before trading him to the Milwaukee Brewers for right-hander Marco Estrada.
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish, HardballTalk and MLB Trade Rumors
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:
Brew Crew Ball, Bluebird Banter, MLB Trade Rumors, Batter's Box Interactive … and HardballTalk
Judd Zulgad / 1500 ESPN Twin Cities:
SportsWire Twins Paul Molitor expected to be named Twins manager next week — The search appears to be over. — All indications are that Paul Molitor will be named the Twins manager next week. Patrick Reusse reported the news during Saturday Morning SportsTalk on 1500 ESPN.
Discussion:
MLB.com, Bleacher Report, Twinkie Town, CBSSports.com, NESN.com and MLB Trade Rumors
Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
Chicago Cubs hire former Rays manager Joe Maddon — Joe Maddon's exodus from Tampa Bay to Chicago became official Friday, as the Cubs, after firing Rick Renteria, announced plans to introduce Maddon on Monday as their next manager. — But there are still some messy details …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
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Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
So, does this Joe Maddon-to-Cubs deal feel icky? Deal with it
So, does this Joe Maddon-to-Cubs deal feel icky? Deal with it
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors and Bleed Cubbie Blue
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Two-time AL Manager of the Year to be introduced by club on Monday
Two-time AL Manager of the Year to be introduced by club on Monday
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com and DRaysBay
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Veteran backstop and defensive specialist will make $1.5 million in 2015 — 9/20/14: With the Nationals attempting a double steal, Jeff Mathis throws out Jayson Werth trying to swipe third base in the 4th — MIAMI — The Marlins solidified their catching situation before free agents are eligible to sign elsewhere.
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Tim Dierkes / MLB Trade Rumors:
2014-15 Top 50 Free Agents With Predictions — The ninth annual MLB Trade Rumors Top 50 Free Agents list is here! The entire list of available free agents can be found here, and you can filter by position and signing team with our free agent tracker here. — New to MLBTR?
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball and Federal Baseball
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 …
John Manuel / Baseball America:
Fall Stars Game Set To Showcase AFL Talent — The annual Arizona Fall League's Fall Stars game features many of the game's top prospects, and once again lacks Byron Buxton. — Last year, the Twins' multi-tooled outfielder and 2013 Minor League Player of the Year missed the Fall Stars all-star showcase with a strained left shoulder.
Discussion:
Federal Baseball, Athletics Nation and True Blue LA
Associated Press:
Butler has 2015 option declined by Royals — KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Royals have declined their option for next season on Billy Butler, making the former All-Star designated hitter a free agent for the first time in his eight-year career. — The Royals elected to pay Butler …
Discussion:
Royals Review
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 …
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:
MLB.com, HardballTalk, MLB Trade Rumors and Brew Crew Ball