Top News:
Scott Boeck / USA Today:
Ranking the four potential World Series matchups — Ten teams survived the regular season for a chance to win a World Series title. — After the division series, four teams remain — the Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers.
Discussion:
Over the Monster and Surviving Grady
RELATED:
Peter Schmuck / Baltimore Sun:
Those rooting for a Dodgers-Red Sox World Series are going to be disappointed — Boston Red Sox star Mookie Betts, left, and former Oriole and current Los Angeles Dodgers standout Manny Machado, right, could face off in the World Series. — No one can blame the World Series television rights holder …
Gabe Lacques / USA Today:
As Dodgers win big with extreme platooning, a theme emerges: ‘Throw your ego out the door’ — MILWAUKEE - Max Muncy and his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates were only a few minutes into their charter flight to the National League Championship Series on Thursday afternoon when it was determined Muncy …
Ben Walker / Associated Press:
In postseason baseball, aces aren't just for starting anymore — Chris Sale is all set to start Game 1 at Fenway Park. If the Boston Red Sox later need him for middle relief, he's ready. Or a setup spot, sure. — “I mean, it's postseason baseball. You have to be prepared for anything,” the All-Star lefty said.
Associated Press:
Astros' George Springer back in postseason mode — HOUSTON — Ask Houston manager AJ Hinch to name the best thing about George Springer and he rattles off a laundry list of qualities he admires in the outfielder. — When he finishes that list, he adds a final thought.
Bill Madden / New York Daily News:
Yankees and Red Sox determined their fates in the offseason with these two moves
Baltimore Sun:
Staff picks for baseball's 2018 American League and National League Championship Series
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
ALCS: Managers Alex Cora, A.J. Hinch share brotherly bond, but now oppose each other
ALCS: Managers Alex Cora, A.J. Hinch share brotherly bond, but now oppose each other
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, Climbing Tal's Hill, The Athletic and Beyond the Box Score
Alex Reimer / WEEI:
Brock Holt shows support for David Price on D&K: ‘We want him on the mound’ in Game 2
Brock Holt shows support for David Price on D&K: ‘We want him on the mound’ in Game 2
Discussion:
NESN.com
Brendan Kuty / New Jersey Online:
Yankees' David Robertson: I'd ‘like’ to return, but ...
Yankees' David Robertson: I'd ‘like’ to return, but ...
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Buster Olney / ESPN:
NL Championship Series matchups we can't wait to see — Here are five matchups to watch in the National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers: — As ESPN researcher Paul Hembekides noted on the podcast Wednesday, the Brewers have had great success …
RELATED:
Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
Christian Yelich vs. Clayton Kershaw a matchup we're eager to see — MILWAUKEE — If a best-of-seven playoff series can have a tone-setting moment in the first inning of Game 1, then make sure you're watching Friday night when all-world pitcher Clayton Kershaw takes on National League MVP favorite Christian Yelich.
Baseball America:
Arizona League Top 20 Prospects — Brayan Rocchio — AZL Indians — Age: 17. B-T: B-R. Ht: 5-10. Wt: 150. — Signed: Venezuela, 2017. — Rocchio's reputation for advanced instincts and game awareness preceded his early July arrival in the Arizona League.
Discussion:
redsminorleagues.com and Lone Star Ball
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Grant Lavigne / Baseball America:
Pioneer Top 20 — Grand Junction (Rockies) — Age: 19. B-T: L-R. Ht: 6-4. Wt: 220. — Drafted: HS—Bedford, NH, 2018 (1s). — Pioneer League managers and scouts covering the league were universally effusive in their praise for Lavigne, a supplemental first-round pick.
Discussion:
redsminorleagues.com and Brew Crew Ball
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
Sources: Rangers interviewing former Yankees manager Joe Girardi — The Rangers have added a fourth external candidate to their managerial search and it's a big name with a big ring: Joe Girardi. — According to two sources, Girardi, who managed the New York Yankees for 10 seasons …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
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Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Didi Gregorius To Undergo Tommy John Surgery — Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius underwent an MRI yesterday that revealed a ligament tear in his right elbow, manager Aaron Boone revealed to reporters today (all Twitter links via The Athletic's Marc Carig). He'll require Tommy John surgery …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, New York Daily News, Pinstripe Alley and FanGraphs Baseball
RELATED:
Joel Sherman / New York Post:
$70M for Gregorius? Five questions Yankees should mull early
$70M for Gregorius? Five questions Yankees should mull early
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
David Schoenfield / ESPN:
Astros keep finding new ways to dominate — An old Tom Seaver quote explains a lot about the success of the Houston Astros: “The good rising fastball is the best pitch in baseball.” — Now, we know a fastball can't actually rise. So what was Seaver talking about?
Corpus Christi Caller-Times:
Randy Cesar, Ryan Hartman named Hooks Players of the Year for 2018 season — Infielder Randy Cesar and pitcher Ryan Hartman were each named the Hooks Players of the Year, the team announced on Thursday. — Cesar was a midseason and postseason Texas League All-Star and also set …
Tim Bannon / Chicago Tribune:
7 things to know about the ‘Steve Bartman game,’ 15 years later — The Steve Bartman incident occurred at Wrigley Field on Oct. 14, 2003, during Game 6 of the NLCS between the Cubs and Marlins. — Chicago Tribune — The “Steve Bartman game,” otherwise known as Game 6 …