Eighteen amazing facts about the 2018 MLB postseason  —  Some of the best storylines this postseason were rooted in stats — from the 18-inning Game 3 in the World Series game to David Price's redemption to the Astros' prolific postseason home run hitting.  Let's take a look …

Manny Machado sends his thanks to Dodgers, fans as free agency beckons  —  While Manny Machado was noncommittal as to his future after the Los Angeles Dodgers lost the World Series in five games, he may have shed insight into his thinking Wednesday when he took to Instagram.  —  EDITOR'S PICKS

Pitching coach Derek Johnson latest to depart Craig Counsell's staff  —  MILWAUKEE — Brewers pitching coach Derek Johnson is leaving the team, the third departure on manager Craig Counsell's staff since the end of the season.  —  EDITOR'S PICKS  —  General manager David Stearns …

The issues, hopes, fears for 4 Cubs players on the rebound trail  —  These four Cubs players have issues.  (Chicago Tribune) Chicago Tribune  —  The Cubs could improve on their 95-win season without signing Bryce Harper or Manny Machado.  —  How?  —  From Kris Bryant's left shoulder …

Braves' 2019 Chop Fest date at SunTrust Park set  —  The Atlanta Braves will host the team's second fan festival at SunTrust Park on Jan. 19, 2019.  —  The one-day event — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — puts fans up close with players, coaches and alumni.  —  » Photos: Fans take in Braves in first Chop Fest at SunTrust Park

Padres Trade Catcher Raffy Lopez To Braves  —  The San Diego Padres have traded catcher Raffy Lopez to the Atlanta Braves for a player to be named later or cash consideration, the Padres announced today.  —  The 30-year-old backstop figures to serve as catching depth for the Braves in 2019.

Bill Fischer, who spent seven decades in pro baseball, dies at 88  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Former big league pitcher Bill Fischer, who spent more than seven decades as a player and coach in professional baseball, died Tuesday.  He was 88.  —  The Royals announced Fischer's death in a statement Wednesday.

Brett Gardner staying with Yankees on new deal  —  NEW YORK — Brett Gardner is staying with the New York Yankees at a lower salary.  —  The 35-year-old outfielder agreed Wednesday to a one-year contract after New York declined his $12.5 million option for 2019.

Astros decline catcher Brian McCann's $15M option  —  HOUSTON — The Houston Astros have declined their $15 million club option for 2019 on catcher Brian McCann.  —  EDITOR'S PICKS  —  McCann spent the last two seasons with the Astros after a trade from the New York Yankees in November 2016.