Top News:
Associated Press:
Power Plays: NLCS a Classic Clash Between Young Cubs, Mets — NEW YORK — Matt Harvey bringin' heat, Kris Bryant goin' deep. — Noah Syndergaard firing 100 mph fastballs as Kyle Schwarber swings from his heels. — Jacob deGrom rearing back and going right after Anthony Rizzo.
RELATED:
Matthew Cerrone / Metsblog:
Battle of the rebuilt franchises in the NLCS — I planned to write something looking back at the Mets-Dodgers series. But, frankly, all I can think about is the Cubs... This has the makings of what should be a pretty fascinating, exciting series, between two classic franchises, old rivals …
Discussion:
Baseball Prospectus and Bleed Cubbie Blue
Paul SullivanContact / Chicago Tribune:
Sammy Sosa hopes to throw out first pitch at a Cubs World Series game — Chicago Tribune … Sammy Sosa endorsed Manny Ramirez's idea that Sosa should be asked to throw out a first pitch in the World Series if the Cubs make it that far. — Before Game 4 of the NLDS on Tuesday …
Discussion:
Chicago and Bleed Cubbie Blue
Jayson Stark / ESPN:
How the Cubs went from a mostly average team to a powerhouse — 10h - KYLE SCHWARBER JAKE ARRIETA ADDISON RUSSELL CHICAGO CUBS + more
Discussion:
Bleacher Report, ESPN and Chicago
Neil Best / Newsday:
Matt Harvey, Terry Collins say ace will pitch twice in NLCS … Mets vs. Cubs: Who has the edge? … Mets — Mets celebrate NLDS victory over Dodgers
Discussion:
Newsday
RELATED:
Peter Botte / New York Daily News:
Matt Harvey 'couldn't be more excited' about starting Game 1 of NLCS for Mets — LOS ANGELES — The Mets will open the NLCS against the Cubs Saturday at Citi Field, and Matt Harvey will have the ball in his hands. — Just like the Mets once envisioned, well, with a few high-drama detours in between.
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue and Metsblog
Danny Abriano / Metsblog:
NLDS Game 5: Mets at Dodgers, presented by GEICO
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue, MLB Daily Dish, Fish Stripes, Twinkie Town, Yahoo Sports, Red Reporter, True Blue LA and Royals Review
Mark GonzalesContact / Chicago Tribune:
Tim Wilken to depart Cubs for Diamondbacks — Chicago Tribune … Tim Wilken is leaving the Chicago Cubs to join the front office of the Arizona Diamondbacks, a source confirmed late Friday night. — Wilken, a special assistant to the president and general manager with the Cubs since August of 2012 …
Discussion:
Wall Street Journal, MLB Trade Rumors and Bleacher Nation
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Rangers start packing up, moving on from Game 5 — Team still stinging from difficult loss 2015 exit adds to list of infamous finishes Optimism abounds for next season … ARLINGTON — Lockers were cleaned out and boxes were packed to be shipped Thursday at Globe Life Park …
Discussion:
Associated Press, Dallas Morning News and Lone Star Ball
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Fox Sports:
Kid dressed as Jays' Bautista acts out hero's home run as it happens
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish, Blue Jays Plus, On the Rox, Major League Baseball and Talking Points
Doug Padilla / ESPN:
Blue Jays left-hander Mark Buehrle still undecided on retirement
Discussion:
ESPN and MLB Trade Rumors
Associated Press:
Baseball Hall of Fame Voting Pool Down by About 20 Percent — NEW YORK — The voting pool for the Baseball Hall of Fame is being cut by about 20 percent. — The Hall said Friday that it estimated 475 ballots would be mailed for the upcoming election. Last year, about 600 ballots were mailed …
Rob Neyer / Fox Sports:
October Moment: When the stretch hurts — Some games go according to form, and some don't. Thursday night in Los Angeles, Game 5 of the second National League Division Series went almost exactly according to form: a great pitching duel featuring Cy Young candidate Zack Greinke and future Cy Young candidate Jacob deGrom.
Discussion:
Beyond the Box Score
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Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Mets beat Dodgers, move on thanks to Daniel Murphy's home run, stolen base, Cubs up next in NLCS
Discussion:
New York Post, Deadspin, Amazin' Avenue and The Big Lead
Joe Pagonakis / WEWS-TV:
Police Report: Johnny Manziel pulled over during domestic argument, admits to drinking — AVON, Ohio - Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel, was pulled over by Avon police after police said a domestic argument got out of hand on Interstate 90 westbound earlier in the week. — Police said alcohol was involved.
Discussion:
Deadspin, Bleacher Report, The Big Lead, SBNation.com, ProFootballTalk and NESN.com
Dennis Wierzbicki / Toronto Star:
Who are the celebrity fans cheering for MLB teams left in playoffs? — This year's playoffs have given baseball teams a chance to show off star fans linked to their team. — Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder says he won't schedule tour dates in October any more so that he won't miss any Cubs fans.
Patrick Saunders / Denver Post:
There is no getting around it. The Rockies' bench was a bust this year. — The Denver Post — There is no getting around it. The Rockies' bench was a bust this year. — Utility infielder Daniel Descalso, outfielder Drew Stubbs and first baseman Wilin Rosario were counted on to be major contributors.
Discussion:
Purple Row
Jon Heyman / CBSSports.com:
Zack Greinke to opt out of Dodgers contract, command a big deal — Zack Greinke will opt out of a contract that has $71 million over three years remaining, according to sources, and one GM suggested he should get multiple offers for $125 million over five years, at a minimum …
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish, Los Angeles Times and Bleacher Report
