Top News:
Associated Press:
Lester, Baez Help Cubs Blank Giants 1-0 in NLDS Opener — By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSOCT. 8, 2016, 12:18 A.M. E.D.T. — CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs went out and got Jon Lester for these moments. And he delivered in a big way Friday night. — Lester outpitched Johnny Cueto with eight sparkling innings …
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles and baseballmusings.com
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Giants Put INF Nunez on NLDS Roster Against Cubs — CHICAGO — The San Francisco Giants put Eduardo Nunez on their roster for the NL Division Series against the Chicago Cubs after the third baseman had been sidelined with a strained right hamstring. — Nunez, an AL All-Star this season with Minnesota, hasn't played since Sept. 25.
Discussion:
South Side Sox, Bleed Cubbie Blue and Yahoo Sports
Associated Press:
At home in Wrigleyville, players embrace proximity to park — CHICAGO (AP) — It was a step back in time for Chicago Cubs second baseman Ben Zobrist. — Before a recent game, he hopped on his bike in his uniform, with his glove in hand and wearing black P.F. Flyers, and rode to Wrigley Field.
Discussion:
Lookout Landing and Ballpark Digest
MLB.com:
Kiss it good Baez! Cubs win 1-0 duel — CHICAGO — How well are things going for the Cubs? Javier Baez, inserted to the lineup for his defense, provided the offensive spark in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Giants. Baez launched a full-count fastball …
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
Charlie Wilmoth / MLB Trade Rumors:
AL Notes: Liriano, Joyner, Wallace — Blue Jays lefty Francisco Liriano was cleared to return home to Toronto with his team after being struck by Carlos Gomez's eighth-inning line drive in Game 2 of the ALDS Friday, as Shi Davidi of Sportsnet and others have noted.
Discussion:
Sportsnet.ca, CSN Mid-Atlantic and Bless You Boys
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Frank Pingue / Reuters:
Baseball: Blue Jays Rout Rangers in ALDS Opener
Baseball: Blue Jays Rout Rangers in ALDS Opener
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports and Lone Star Ball
Associated Press:
Estrada, Blue Jays Romp in ALDS Opener at Texas, Bautista HR
Estrada, Blue Jays Romp in ALDS Opener at Texas, Bautista HR
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Diana Mehta / Globe and Mail:
Man alleged to have tossed beer during Jays game comes forward
Man alleged to have tossed beer during Jays game comes forward
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter, Baseball Prospectus, Lone Star Ball, baseballmusings.com and Yahoo Sports
Associated Press:
Rain Could Affect Start of Dodgers-Nationals NLDS Game 2 — WASHINGTON — Rain has washed out Saturday's on-field batting practice for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals, and it threatens to delay the start of Game 2 of the NL Division Series. — The Dodgers lead 1-0 in the best-of-five matchup.
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports, Washington Post, Todays Knuckleball, Federal Baseball, True Blue LA and Twinkie Town
Associated Press:
Corey Kluber throws 7 scoreless innings, Indians take 2-0 lead … CLEVELAND — Corey Kluber didn't show a speck of rust. Well-rested and ready for the biggest start of his career, he wasn't going to let the Indians lose any momentum. — Cleveland's on some kind of roll.
Discussion:
ESPN and FenwayNation
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Hanley Ramirez / The Players' Tribune:
A Message to Red Sox Nation
A Message to Red Sox Nation
Discussion:
NESN.com, Surviving Grady and Full Count
Christine Wang / CNBC:
Walt Disney World closes for just fourth time ever as Hurricane Matthew nears — Gov. Scott: If you're in evacuation zone, get out now — Florida Gov. Rick Scott gives a press conference on the latest preparations for Hurricane Matthew. — Walt Disney World will close its parks …
Discussion:
WBAY-TV
Thomas Harding / MLB.com:
Former MLB catcher has coached in Braves system for 10 years — DENVER — The Rockies have not gone public with candidates for their managerial opening, but Braves first-base coach Eddie Perez acknowledged that the Rockies have contacted him, according to a report from Venezuela.
Discussion:
Purple Row, MLB Trade Rumors and MLB Daily Dish
Josh Norris / Baseball America:
Finally Healthy, Monte Harrison Shows Off At Instructs — MARYVALE, Ariz.—Ask any ballplayer what he seeks most, and one thing will come up more than any other: consistency. It's the product of thousands upon thousands of repetitions and unseen hours of work behind the scenes …
Discussion:
Al's Ramblings
Anthony DiComo / MLB.com:
Mets expect infielder to be ready well before Spring Training — WASHINGTON — Mets infielder Wilmer Flores underwent surgery on Friday to remove part of the hamate bone in his right wrist. The Mets expect Flores, whose absence proved significant for the team down the stretch, to be ready well in advance of Spring Training.
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Phillies Announce Six Outrights — The Phillies have outrighted six players, per a club announcement. Infielder Emmanuel Burriss, outfielder Jimmy Paredes, lefty Patrick Schuster, and righties Frank Herrmann, Dalier Hinojosa, and Colton Murray all lost their roster spots.
Discussion:
Phillies Nation