Astros have plans for Ric Flair if Yankees series goes to Game 7  —  The Astros-Yankees American League Championship Series gets to a Game 7, the Astros will have pro wrestling superstar Ric Flair call out “Play Ball!” before the game in a video message.  —  Astros right fielder Josh Reddick …

Al Avila: Still possible Tigers' Victor Martinez won't play in 2018  —  Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila said Friday there's a chance designated hitter Victor Martinez won't be medically cleared to play in 2018.  —  Martinez struggled last season, before finishing on the disabled list …

With young stars, Cubs likely not fading after NLCS loss  —  CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs' season had just ended when Anthony Rizzo made a bold prediction.  —  No, he didn't promise another championship.  —  “We're gonna consistently compete here for years to come,” Rizzo said.

7 pivotal moments from Cubs' 11-1 loss in Game 5 of the NLCS  —  Tribune writers Mark Gonzales and David Haugh break down the Cubs' season-ending 11-1 loss to the Dodgers on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017.  (Colleen Kane/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Here are 7 pivotal moments …

Dusty Baker will not return as Nationals manager  —  Dusty Baker will not return to manage the Washington Nationals in 2018, the club announced Friday in a startling move for a club that won 97 games and consecutive division championships.  —  Baker spent two seasons as Washington's manager …

Oakland A's give 9-year-old wildfire victim new baseball memorabilia  —  Nine-year-old Loren Jade Smith lost his large collection of Oakland A's memorabilia earlier this month when his family's Northern California home was destroyed by wildfires.  —  Smith's collection has now multiplied, thanks to the A's and the baseball community.

Nats' Daniel Murphy has surgery to repair cartilage in knee  —  Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy underwent surgery to repair damage to the articular cartilage in his right knee, the team said Friday.  —  The Nationals said that Murphy will immediately begin the rehabilitation process and …

Bryce Harper is a year from free agency.  So what's he really worth?  —  The Nationals' Bryce Harper stands in the on-deck circle before his at-bat against the Cubs in Game 5 of the NLDS on Oct. 12, 2017.  —  The Washington Post  —  Every baseball season brings new data, and revisions to reputations.

Dodgers bullpen goes from ‘The Slump’ to the sublime just in time  —  LOS ANGELES — How do you tell the story of a breakout star that isn't a person but a collective of mostly anonymous bit players?  You can start by looking at the sum, rather than the parts.

Mets near manager decision with Long, Acta front-runners … Dusty Baker was told he would not be back as the Nationals manager, but he almost certainly will not become part of the Mets' process for a new skipper.  —  The Mets were described by sources as near the goal line on making …

Ben Zobrist ready to make amends: 'I've never been more excited for an offseason'  —  Photos of Cubs infielder Ben Zobrist.  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Less than an hour after the 2017 season concluded, Cubs switch-hitting infielder-outfielder Ben Zobrist was eager for what awaits him this winter.