Top News:
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
After Buck Showalter's Plan Fizzled, Questions: How? Why? Huh? — TORONTO — The moderator said there was time for one more question. The microphone was near me, so I asked for it. I had already asked Buck Showalter three questions, at the start of his postgame news conference late Tuesday, without really getting an answer.
Discussion:
NBCSports.com, FanGraphs Baseball, ESPN, USA Today and Camden Chat
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Rachel Brady / Globe and Mail:
Orioles' Jones says he and outfielder Kim were targets of racial slurs — Incident happened after a fan threw a beer at Orioles outfielder Hyun Soo Kim, Jones said. Blue Jays' officials say they are reviewing the video — Adam Jones says he and fellow Baltimore Orioles outfielder Hyun Soo Kim …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com, The Good Phight and Todays Knuckleball
ESPN:
Roberto Osuna says sore shoulder expected to be fine, cites fatigue — Toronto closer Roberto Osuna cited a sore shoulder for his removal in the top of the 10th inning from the Blue Jays' 5-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles in Tuesday night's American League wild-card game.
Discussion:
Associated Press
David Pinto / baseballmusings.com:
Still Tied — The game between the Orioles and Blue Jays goes …
Still Tied — The game between the Orioles and Blue Jays goes …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
David Pinto / baseballmusings.com:
AL Wild Card Preview
AL Wild Card Preview
Discussion:
Baseball Prospectus, Bluebird Banter, Beyond the Box Score, Camden Chat and Yahoo Sports
Associated Press:
Country Hardball in the Big City: Bumgarner vs Syndergaard — NEW YORK — Bright lights, big city, ol' country hardball. — Madison Bumgarner against Noah Syndergaard with the season on the line. A pair of towering tough guys you probably don't want to mess with. — Playoff pitching matchups don't get much better.
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports and Beyond the Box Score
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
No family feud as Cubs await NLDS opponent — Cubs President Theo Epstein talks about the team's simulated game, the NL wild-card game, and the Cubs' playoff roster. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune) — Chicago Tribune — Chicago Cubs President Theo Epstein and many of his top-level …
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Rob Manfred says change may be coming to September baseball — TORONTO - Commissioner Rob Manfred, listening to the managerial complaints of baseball's long-standing rule of September call-ups, acknowledged Tuesday that he's in favor of change. — He's not opposed to clubs being permitted …
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish and Yahoo Sports
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Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
As Baseball Playoffs Begin, an Issue That Has Not Left the Park
As Baseball Playoffs Begin, an Issue That Has Not Left the Park
Discussion:
Fish Stripes
Doug Mittler / ESPN:
MLB Rumor Central: Carlos Martinez, Cardinals interested in extension? — Expect the St. Louis Cardinals and right-hander Carlos Martinez to work on a contract extension in the coming months, reports Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. — “That is the plan …
Discussion:
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Viva El Birdos and MLB Trade Rumors
Cincinnati.com:
Reds' Brandon Phillips: ‘This is where I want to be’ — As Brandon Phillips cleaned out his locker following Sunday's season finale against the Cubs, the Reds' 35-year-old second baseman said he hadn't thought much about his immediate future. — Phillips is entering the last year …
Discussion:
Redleg Nation
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Marlins Exercise Ichiro Option, Announce Prado Extension — The Marlins have officially announced that they have exercised the 2017 club option over outfielder Ichiro Suzuki and also added another option year to his deal. Miami also confirmed the previously-reported, three-year extension with third baseman Martin Prado.
Discussion:
Fish Stripes
Associated Press:
MLB average attendance drops 1.1 percent; still 11th-highest — NEW YORK — Major League Baseball's average attendance dropped 1.1 percent this season but still was the sport's 11th-highest. — The 30 teams combined to draw 73,159,044 fans and average 30,169, the commissioner's office said Tuesday.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com and ESPN
Associated Press:
Mets Sending Tebow to Arizona Fall League for Top Prospects — NEW YORK — Tim Tebow will test his baseball skills against some of the game's premier prospects. — The New York Mets say they are sending Tebow to the Arizona Fall League after cutting short their instructional league Tuesday …
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue and Yahoo Sports
Associated Press:
Indians C Yan Gomes Could Play in Postseason After Injuries — CLEVELAND — Indians catcher Yan Gomes may play in October, after all. — Gomes, who broke his right hand during a minor league injury rehabilitation appearance late in the season, has progressed to the point that Cleveland …
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Dave Stewart Discusses End Of Tenure With D-Backs — The Diamondbacks ousted Dave Stewart from the GM seat yesterday, bringing his tenure to an end after just two years. Stewart discussed his feelings on the matter with Bob Nightengale of USA Today, who described the scene yesterday …
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports, USA Today, AZ Snake Pit and Al's Ramblings
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Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Dave Stewart on being fired as Diamondbacks GM: 'I'm not mad'
Dave Stewart on being fired as Diamondbacks GM: 'I'm not mad'
Discussion:
NBCSports.com, MLB Trade Rumors and AZ Snake Pit