Rays' best-laid Game 1 plans undone by Brewers' airtight arms  —  MILWAUKEE — The way the Rays set up their rotation for the World Series was not just about winning Game 1.  It was a three-game gambit, designed to put them in the best possible spot to win every night.

Yankees fans deserved better than what they got from club hierarchy  —  The 19th century art critic John Ruskin once disparaged a work by James McNeill Whistler in 1877, accusing the artist of “flinging a pot of paint in the public's face.”  —  In a roughly two-hour exercise in tone-deafness this past week …

As World Series begins, here's what Royals can learn from the Brewers and Rays  —  Key Takeaways  —  AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.  — Brewers and Rays reached the World Series through development and timely trades.  — The Rays carry MLB's third-lowest payroll, according to Spotrac.

What I'm Hearing: Deshaun Watson's Cleveland future, Jonathan Taylor rumors, Lions' LaPorta dilemma  —  Despite what Mike Tomlin might say, six weeks into the season, the Browns are not the Browns.  —  Cleveland is 4-2 and atop the AFC North with two wins in two games over division opponents.

Knicks reveal $3.7 million plan for employee championship rings after coming under fire for phishing email ‘mistake’  —  BOSTON - Amid scrutiny that they ignored assistant coaches and an admission of an “unfortunate mistake” involving a cybersecurity test, the Knicks are handing …

Jadon Sancho offered cut-price contract by Getafe  —  La Liga side would pay former Man Utd winger just over £10,000 each week, a massive cut from his £250,000-a-week days at Old Trafford  —  Jadon Sancho has formally been offered a contract until the end of the season by Spanish club Getafe …

Benzinger, 1990 WS champion with Reds, passes away at 63  —  CINCINNATI — Todd Benzinger, a Greater Cincinnati native who will forever be solidified in the memories of Reds fans for being the player who caught the final out that secured the 1990 World Series, died on Wednesday.

Manfred: Rays-Brewers World Series good for game, but salary cap still needed  —  MILWAUKEE — MLB commissioner Rob Manfred believes having two smaller markets in the World Series is good for the sport, but said he will not deter owners from pursuing a salary cap as part of the next collective bargaining agreement.

The Luka Dončić debate: Is the Lakers star underrated?  'It's greatness fatigue'  —  LOS ANGELES — The Luka Dončić discussion among the fans and media is one thing.  —  The Los Angeles Lakers star has been a lightning rod for criticism from that crowd for nearly a decade now …

Grading the 2026 Mets: What letter did David Stearns receive?  —  If this were college, the Mets would have flunked out by the second semester.  —  Despite some encouraging bright spots, this past season was mostly one to forget — marked by high expectations that were quashed weeks …

How Marlins will fill their payroll if there's a salary floor.  And hot stove news  —  A six-pack of Marlins notes on a Thursday:  —  ▪ The Marlins finished the season with a $100.2 million payroll, including $18 million in player benefits, a figure that places them ahead …