Top News:
Chris Kuc / Chicago Tribune:
NLDS Game 4 turning point: Michael Taylor's grand slam — Nationals center fielder Michael A. Taylor discusses hitting a grand slam against the Cubs Game 4 of the NLDS on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017. (Paul Skrbina/Chicago Tribune) — Chicago Tribune — The situation: With the Nationals clinging …
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Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
As Stephen Strasburg takes mound for Game 4, plenty at stake for All-Star, Nationals — CHICAGO - A day ago, the Washington Nationals would have you believe that Stephen Strasburg was on his death bed, and couldn't possibly start today in their biggest game of the season in Game 4 of the NL Division Series.
Associated Press:
Strasburg to start Game 4 of NLDS for Nationals after all — CHICAGO (AP) — Washington Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg will start Game 4 of the NL Division Series against the Chicago Cubs after all. — The Nationals announced several hours before Wednesday's scheduled first pitch …
ESPN:
Gio Gonzalez or Tanner Roark to oppose Kyle Hendricks in Game 5 — The Chicago Cubs will go with Kyle Hendricks as their starter for Thursday's Game 5 while the Nationals remained undecided Wednesday with their National League Division Series returning to Washington for the deciding game.
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Stephen Strasburg strikes back: Nationals top Cubs to force winner-take-all Game 5 — CHICAGO - The Washington Nationals, showing their crosstown neighbors at the White House that they can deliver plenty of their own drama, not only watched Stephen Strasburg save their season, but forever alter his reputation.
Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times:
LIVE BLOG: Jon Lester enters as Cubs trail 1-0 in 5th inning of Game 4 — Sign-Up for our Sports Newsletter … FIFTH INNING: Jon Lester enters the game to open the inning in relief of Jake Arrieta, who leads 1-0 but has walked five batters and is at 90 pitches coming off a hamstring injury.
Discussion:
MLB on Yahoo! Sports and baseballmusings.com
William Lee / Chicago Tribune:
How high is mold in Chicago? NU doctor weighs in.
Discussion:
Chicago Tribune
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Stephen Strasburg to start today's Cubs-Nationals NLDS Game 4
Discussion:
Chicago Tribune
USA Today:
Stephen Strasburg will start NLDS Game 4 for Nationals: Report
Discussion:
Federal Baseball, MLB on Yahoo! Sports and MLive.com
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Stephen Strasburg and Nationals commit biggest error of the season
Discussion:
NBCSports.com, MLB Trade Rumors, FanGraphs Baseball, NESN.com, MLB on Yahoo! Sports, The Big Lead, baseballmusings.com and USA Today
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Wrigley Field weather update: drizzling, game set to start at 3:08 p.m.
Discussion:
Chicago Tribune
Associated Press:
Jose Altuve staying humble as Astros marvel at 2B ahead of ALCS — HOUSTON — Jose Altuve hit .346 to win the American League batting title for the second straight year before batting .533 in the ALDS to help the Houston Astros eliminate the Boston Red Sox.
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UPI:
Boston Red Sox fire manager John Farrell after five seasons — The Boston Red Sox fired manager John Farrell on Wednesday, two days after his team was eliminated from the playoffs. — Farrell, who managed the Red Sox since 2013, will not return for the 2018 season, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski announcement.
Kevin Spain / USA Today:
Astros starting Dallas Keuchel in Game 1 and Justin Verlander in Game 2
Discussion:
MLB on Yahoo! Sports
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Who the Boston Red Sox should hire as their next manager
Discussion:
NBCSports.com and MLB Trade Rumors
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
With Red Sox ousting John Farrell, Mets' search for new manager only gets more competitive
Mike Lupica / New York Daily News:
Yankees may be built for the future, but the time is now
Discussion:
MLB on Yahoo! Sports
UPI:
ALDS: Cleveland Indians DH Edwin Encarnacion back for Game 5 — Cleveland Indians designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion returned to the lineup for Game 5 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees on Wednesday at Progressive Field. — Encarnacion has been sidelined …
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Associated Press:
Mariners CEO optimistic in face of extended playoff drought — SEATTLE — John Stanton's first full season as the chairman and CEO of the Seattle Mariners ended the same as the previous 15 seasons when he was just a minority owner of the ballclub. — Out of the postseason …
Helene Elliott / Los Angeles Times:
Dick Enberg podcast features Vin Scully and a pleasant trip down memory lane — The opening words are an upbeat, “Oh, My!” followed by the familiar, warm voice of Dick Enberg. The chance to hear Enberg, who was part of sports fans' summers (and winters) for six decades, would be enough to promise an enjoyable few minutes.
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers TV ratings drop with team's performance, remain top 6 — Detroit Tigers owner Chris Ilitch addresses the media on photo day at Comerica Park, says he's enthused by moves GM Al Avila has made & affirms his family's commitment to “long-term Ilitch ownership of the Detroit Tigers.”
Mike Mazzeo / New York Daily News:
Built on foundation of young talent, Yankees' future looks bright — CLEVELAND — The future is bright. — That was the message from Joe Girardi before Wednesday's do-or-die Game 5 of the ALDS. — And the manager of the Yankees is right. — The core of the team is young, and several players made significant strides forward.
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Bob Brookover / Philly.com:
Juan Samuel the first to interview for Phillies managerial job — Phillies third-base coach Juan Samuel became the first candidate to interview for the vacant manager's job when he discussed the opening with the team Tuesday. — “I think it went well,” Samuel said from his home in Florida.
Discussion:
MLB on Yahoo! Sports, The Good Phight and PhillyVoice
Mike Mazzeo / New York Daily News:
Joe Girardi says owner Hal Steinbrenner has been ‘even-keeled’ since Girardi's Game 2 blunder — CLEVELAND - Joe Girardi has had a few conversations with Hal Steinbrenner since his massive managerial miscue in Game 2. — “He's been no different,” Girardi said of the Yankees owner.
