‘If Boston wins this series, then Joe West is the MVP’: Fans at center of controversial call tell all  —  HOUSTON — The thought has crossed the mind of just about anyone who's ever attended a baseball game: See the ball, try to catch the ball.  —  For two men, that might be worth rethinking now.

The Brewers went from unbeatable to the brink of elimination.  They need to wake up.  —  The Washington Post  —  Christian Yelich shook his head as he ducked into the Milwaukee Brewers dugout at Dodgers Stadium on Wednesday, his evening finished without a hit, his team reeling toward another loss …

Dodgers' Max Muncy finds his swing against Brewers' unpredictable bullpen  —  Max Muncy stood at the plate one botched swing away from what would have been his third strikeout of the game.  But this time, he knew what to do.  —  In his third at-bat against Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff on Wednesday …

MLB says Astros didn't cheat, considers ‘the matter closed’  —  CLEVELAND — The Houston Astros didn't cheat.  They didn't want to get cheated.  —  That's their story, and Major League Baseball agrees.  —  Following an investigation into two incidents this postseason …

Cincinnati Reds blog: Ballclub is willing to pay to get its next manager  —  Three things are apparent with word the Cincinnati Reds are bringing back David Bell, Brad Ausmus and Joe Girardi for second interviews:  — The Reds are willing to spend money to get their guy.  Girardi would not be on the list otherwise.

Peter Alonso, Mets 1B prospect, continues to produce in Arizona Fall League  —  Mets assistant general manager John Ricco on Peter Alonso Matt Ehalt, Staff Writer, @MattEhalt  —  Every time the Mets tested first baseman Peter Alonso this past season, the first baseman passed the challenge with flying colors.

Eight have interviewed (so far) to be Rangers manager.  Here's a look at each candidate  —  Just in case there's a sense that the eight candidates interviewed to replace Jeff Banister don't check all the boxes the Texas Rangers are seeking in their new manager, general manager Jon Daniels and crew are keeping the phone lines open.

Team Roundup: Angels  —  Los Angeles  —  What Went Right  —  Mike Trout did typical Mike Trout things, mostly being awesome while missing out on the playoffs once again.  It was hardly his fault, of course.  It actually looked promising early on, as the Angels went 13-3 to begin the year, but they couldn't maintain that pace.

Offseason renovations resume at Wrigley Field — and the Captain Morgan Club is the first to go  —  Renovations are underway at Wrigley Field on Oct. 17, 2018, in Chicago.  —  Chicago Tribune  —  The Captain got the hook.  —  Offseason renovations at Wrigley Field have begun …

Cubs' prescription for a better offense: Improved health and focus  —  Chicago Tribune  —  How do you fix an offense productive enough to contribute to a 95-win season?  —  The Cubs took the first step toward addressing their flaws when they dropped hitting coach Chili Davis for Anthony Iapoce.

Last Slide  —  Among the player-personnel decisions the Detroit Tigers face this offseason, perhaps the toughest comes behind the plate.  —  And when the team makes a final decision on James McCann's fate, the answer could have more to do with Grayson Greiner than McCann.