Top News:
Jimmy Golen / Associated Press:
Astros beat Red Sox 5-4 in Game 4, advance to ALCS — The Astros' Yuli Gurriel hugs Alex Bregman, right, as teammates swarm closing pitcher Ken Giles, left, while celebrating their 5-4 win over the Red Sox in Game 4 of the American League Division Series, Monday, Oct. 9, 2017, in Boston.
Discussion:
CBS Detroit, Detroit News and Over the Monster
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Associated Press:
ALDS: Yankees force winner-take-all against the Indians — Yankees relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle reacts after closing out the top of the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians in Game 4 of the American League divisional series on Oct. 9. (Abbie Parr / Getty Images)
Larry Fleisher / UPI:
ALDS: New York Yankees drub Cleveland Indians, force deciding Game 5 — NEW YORK — Early Saturday morning, the New York Yankees took the short flight from Cleveland, feeling angered and disappointed, knowing they let a big opportunity slip away by blowing a five-run lead.
Mike Mazzeo / New York Daily News:
Slumping Aaron Judge still comes up big for Yankees when it matters the most
Christian Red / New York Daily News:
Luis Severino rebounds nicely, bats come alive as Yankees beat Indians, 7-3, to force Game 5
Peter Botte / New York Daily News:
Ability to hit Corey Kluber last time out should give Yankees confidence with CC Sabathia on the mound in Game 5
Mike Mazzeo / New York Daily News:
Yankees will turn to CC Sabathia in do-or-die Game 5 matchup vs. Corey Kluber
Gethin Coolbaugh / UPI:
ALDS: Houston Astros close out Boston Red Sox in four games, advance to ALCS
Scott LauberESPN / ESPN:
At season's end, Red Sox mull manager John Farrell's fate
Scott LauberESPN / ESPN:
Justin Verlander gives up 2-run HR to first batter in first career relief appearance
Justin Verlander gives up 2-run HR to first batter in first career relief appearance
Discussion:
South Side Sox, Over the Monster, MLB on Yahoo! Sports and baseballmusings.com
Associated Press:
Dusty Baker plays 2 late-inning hunches vs. Cubs; both fail — CHICAGO — A town that already held bad playoff memories for Dusty Baker found a way to torment him again. — The Washington Nationals manager sat down in the interview room to explain two late-inning pitching changes that went south.
Discussion:
ESPN
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Paul Skrbina / Chicago Tribune:
12 pivotal moments in Cubs' tense 2-1 victory over Nationals — Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jose Quintana. — 1. Cubs starter Jose Quintana threw to first, only nobody was home. Michael A. Taylor, who led off the Nationals' third with a single, moved to second base when Jose Quintana …
Discussion:
Chicago Tribune
Jesse Yomtov / USA Today:
A brief history of the Nationals' postseason bullpen blunders — With a come-from-behind 2-1 win in Game 3 of the National League Division Series, the Chicago Cubs pushed the Washington Nationals to the brink of elimination. If the Nationals fail to advance, it will be the fourth consecutive time that the team has fallen in the NLDS.
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs overcome flaws for 2-1 victory over Nationals and 2-1 NLDS lead — Photos from Game 3 of the National League Division Series between the Cubs and Nationals at Wrigley Field on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017. — Chicago Tribune — A calmness persisted in the Cubs' dugout Monday despite four errors …
Discussion:
Chicago Tribune
JasonFoster / Sporting News:
MLB playoffs: Nationals again find themselves on brink of October disappointment — Here they go again. — Forget momentum, forget psychological advantage, and forget proclamations that this year feels different. This story is well on its way to the usual perplexing conclusion.
Discussion:
Federal Baseball, CBSSports.com, SI.com and Washington Post
Chris Kuc / Chicago Tribune:
Kyle Schwarber on NLDS Game 3 fielding gaffe: 'I'm angry at myself' — Photos from Game 3 of the National League Division Series between the Cubs and Nationals at Wrigley Field on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017. — Chicago Tribune — Kyle Schwarber stood in left field, placed his glove over his mouth …
Discussion:
Baseball Prospectus and Chicago Tribune
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
NLDS Game 4 starter Jake Arrieta to savor what could be his final games as a Cub
NLDS Game 4 starter Jake Arrieta to savor what could be his final games as a Cub
Discussion:
Chicago Tribune and Federal Baseball
Robert McCoppin / Chicago Tribune:
Nationals star Werth has deep baseball roots — and organic farm — in downstate Illinois
Nationals star Werth has deep baseball roots — and organic farm — in downstate Illinois
Discussion:
Chicago Tribune
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Ben Zobrist's persistence pays off for Cubs in Game 3 win
Ben Zobrist's persistence pays off for Cubs in Game 3 win
Discussion:
Chicago Tribune
Associated Press:
The Dodgers Dispatch D-Backs and Return to N.L.C.S. — Led by a big Japanese right-hander and a rookie from just down the road, the Los Angeles Dodgers are headed back to the NL Championship Series. — Cody Bellinger homered, drove in two runs and flipped over a dugout railing to steal …
Discussion:
The Charlotte Observer, Baseball Prospectus and Minor League Ball
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Andy McCullough / Orlando Sentinel:
Roberts makes all the right moves as Dodgers sweep Diamondbacks to reach NLCS — Los Angeles Times reporters Andy McCullough and Dylan Hernandez talk sweep and what is next for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS. — Dave Roberts wore a smile on his face and held a can of Coors Light in his hand.
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit
Associated Press:
New York Mets buying Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs — SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The New York Mets are buying the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs as they work toward centering more of their minor league baseball operations in their home state. — Gov. Andrew Cuomo confirmed the deal Monday, calling it …
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Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Mets closing in on deal to buy Syracuse Chiefs, ditch Las Vegas as Triple-A affiliate: sources — After next season, the long redeye flights from Las Vegas will no longer be a burden or an excuse for Mets prospects. The five-hour flight will not be necessary because the Mets' ownership group …
Mike Puma / New York Post:
The Mets are open to pouncing on Joe Girardi … The Mets are keeping surveillance across town in their search for a new manager. — With Joe Girardi unsigned beyond this season, and questions looming about his future, the Yankee manager's name has surfaced in recent discussions by Mets officials …
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R.J. Anderson / CBSSports.com:
Meet the man who was to become an MLB GM, but pursued a legal career instead — Adam Cromie went from the Washington Nationals front office to the Jones Day law firm — The Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs will play their seasons' most important contest on Tuesday …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com