Top News:
Chicago Tribune:
MacPhail resigns as Cubs president — John McDonough will serve as interim president — Andy MacPhail resigned as president of the Cubs on Sunday. — MacPhail will remain with the team to ensure a smooth transition to a new president and to complete his assignment representing Major League Baseball …
Discussion:
Baseball Diamond News, The Cub Reporter, Bleed Cubbie Blue, GROTA, 1060west and Can't Stop The Bleeding
Lyle Spencer / MLB.com:
Padres wrap up NL West title — Friars edge D-Backs, head home for NLDS vs. Cardinals — PHOENIX — The Padres claimed back-to-back National League West titles for the first time in franchise history when they beat the Diamondbacks, 7-6, on Sunday in front of 48,946 at Chase Field …
RELATED ITEMS:
Associated Press:
Padres-Diamondbacks Preview — Even after clinching their second consecutive playoff berth for the first time in franchise history, the San Diego Padres still have some work to do in the regular season. — San Diego looks to secure its second straight NL West title and gain home-field advantage …
Alyson Footer / MLB.com:
Clemens, Pettitte deny Grimsley report — Houston pitchers say they've never used illegal substances — ATLANTA — Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens heard the rumors months ago, when the infamous affidavit was posted online for the public to view. — They had heard that their names …
RELATED ITEMS:
Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com:
Report: Grimsley implicates six — Clemens, Pettitte, Tejada among names in affidavit — SAN FRANCISCO — The Astros' Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte, plus Miguel Tejada, Brian Roberts and Jay Gibbons of the Orioles, were all named by Jason Grimsley as players who had used performance-enhancing drugs …
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
Associated Press:
Cardinals hold on for third consecutive NL Central title — ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals clinched their third straight NL Central title Sunday when the second-place Houston Astros lost 3-1 in Atlanta. — A sellout crowd at Busch Stadium stood and broke into an impromptu tomahawk chop …
RELATED ITEMS:
Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
Walker defends Sox power strategy — Hitting coach puzzled by negativity surrounding homers — MINNEAPOLIS — Ask Greg Walker if he is ready for the offseason to begin, and the affable White Sox hitting coach will offer up a resigned smile with his response. — "It's disappointing that it's beginning so soon," Walker said.
Gil LeBreton / Dallas Star-Telegram:
No need to fire Buck; he'll resign — In Seattle today, Buck Showalter will manage his final game with the Rangers. — That's not a scoop, nor is it an announcement. — Owner Tom Hicks, in fact, told the [Randy] Galloway and Co. radio audience on ESPN/103.3 FM on Friday that the manager's fate remains "open-ended."
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
RELATED ITEMS:
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Hansack takes on O's in season finale — Baltimore (70-91) at Boston (85-76), 2:05 p.m. ET — The Red Sox enter Game No. 162 needing a victory to have any chance of finishing the season with a share of second place in the American League East. Entering the contest against the Orioles …
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
RELATED ITEMS:
Janie McCauley / Associated Press:
Alou would like to stay in baseball in 2007 — SAN FRANCISCO - Felipe Alou would like to stay in baseball after this season, even if he is no longer a manager for the San Francisco Giants or another club. — The Giants are expected to announce as soon as Monday that Alou, whose contract is up …
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Pirates Notebook: McClatchy expected to stay in place — By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — Kevin McClatchy leaving? — Not anytime soon, apparently. — At some point in the week ahead, the Pirates' managing general partner, whose contract expires this year, will make an announcement regarding his status.
Discussion:
The Parrot
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Notes: Postseason plans in flux — Lowe to start Game 1; rest of starting rotation up in the air — SAN FRANCISCO — Grady Little deflected question after question about the importance of beating the Giants on Sunday, of trying to win the division and start the playoffs at home …
Discussion:
Dodger Thoughts
Anthony Rieber / Newsday:
Pen will tell story — Unit's mound session today will let him know if his bad back can go — Randy Johnson will climb atop the bullpen mound at Yankee Stadium this morning and test his aching back. Only then will he begin to know if he can do the same thing on a real mound in the playoffs.
Discussion:
Pride of the Yankees
RELATED ITEMS:
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Giambi Injury Puts Sheffield at First Base for Playoffs — Playing is optional this weekend for the Yankees' regular lineup. Derek Jeter is in it and charging toward a batting title, one point behind the leader with one game to play. Jason Giambi took a day to rest his left wrist, which almost certainly needs surgery.
Discussion:
NY Daily News
RELATED ITEMS:
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Yankees' Roster Is Set; Status of Johnson Isn't
Yankees' Roster Is Set; Status of Johnson Isn't
Discussion:
Bronx Banter
Sports Illustrated:
Willis leaves game in 2nd inning with sore triceps — MIAMI (AP) -Florida Marlins ace Dontrelle Willis left Sunday's season-ending game against Philadelphia in the second inning with a sore left triceps. — Manager Joe Girardi visited the mound twice accompanied by the team trainer …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
NY Daily News:
Willie: Haze run of mill — WASHINGTON - Willie Randolph insists the treatment Lastings Milledge has been getting from teammates is the routine stuff that happens to rookies. The actions and words of everyone else in the Mets' clubhouse say otherwise. — When Milledge came off …
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding