Top News:
Keith Law / ESPN:
Cards' hitters an undisciplined lot … In three games last week at Busch Stadium, the Cardinals lost the first two to the Padres and only won the third because Cla Meredith threw a fastball intended to run in on Albert Pujols out over the plate ... and Pujols hit it into Illinois.
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Jim Molony / MLB.com:
It should be a tough day for hitters — Santana faces off against Zito in battle of Cy Young winners — MINNEAPOLIS — For a playoff matchup that was literally thrown together at the eleventh hour, Oakland and Minnesota found a way to super Cy-ize the opener.
Discussion:
The Baseball Desert
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Notes: Johnson in line for Game 3 — Feels no abnormal stiffness on day after bullpen session — NEW YORK — Yankees left-hander Randy Johnson continues to pass tests in his quest to pitch with a herniated disc in Game 3 of the American League Division Series.
Discussion:
YanksBlog.com
Kelly Thesier / MLB.com:
Notes: Twins mulling final reliever — One of three rookies will make staff as 11th available arm — MINNEAPOLIS — With less than 24 hours before the start of Game 1 of the American League Division Series, the Twins had yet to finalize their playoff roster.
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Cubs part ways with Baker — Manager not offered extension following 2006 campaign — CHICAGO — Dusty Baker didn't take any questions on Monday after the Cubs announced they were not renewing his contract. There was nothing left to be said. — Baker is gone after four seasons in Chicago …
Discussion:
Red Hot Mama
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Dave van Dyck / Chicago Tribune:
With Baker out, Cubs likely will select one of five — Although general manager Jim Hendry says his search for a new Cubs manager will be an "extensive process," it appears he has a very short list of candidates to replace Dusty Baker, whose contract wasn't renewed Monday.
Phil Rogers / Chicago Tribune:
He can manage up storm — Piniella has credentials to thrive in difficult situation, and Cubs' job likely his if he desires — Forget Tom Skilling. — Let's blame Monday's weather, like the downfall of the Dusty Baker regime, on the real culprits—Mark Prior, Kerry Wood and Baker's inability …
Discussion:
CubsNet.com
Associated Press:
Giants say goodbye to Alou after 76-85 season — SAN FRANCISCO — Nobody in the Giants' front office is blaming Felipe Alou for San Francisco's failures the past two seasons. Owner Peter Magowan is willing to take the heat for that. — The club cut ties with Alou on Monday …
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MLB.com:
Giants decide not to renew Felipe Alou's contract — SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Giants have decided to not renew manager Felipe Alou's contract for the 2007 season, team Senior Vice President and General Manager Brian Sabean announced today. The club has extended an offer …
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding
Associated Press:
Cubs, skipper Baker part ways after 66-96 season — CHICAGO — Dusty Baker is out as the Chicago Cubs' manager following a last-place finish and a failure to take the team to the World Series in his four years. — The Cubs made the announcement Monday, a day after team president Andy MacPhail resigned …
Dick Kaegel / MLB.com:
Royals have reason for optimism — Young Kansas City squad improved in second half — KANSAS CITY — With yet another 100-loss season in the books, the Royals' fourth in the last five years, there is no better place to look than ahead. — And that is precisely what general manager Dayton Moore …
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Mike Shalin / MLB.com:
Notes: Francona faces 'bag day' — Clubhouse nearly empty after Boston's season ends — BOSTON — Manager Terry Francona was talking on Sunday about how "cold" the Red Sox clubhouse is when he comes in to work out during the offseason, the room filled with boxes and other assorted stuff …
Discussion:
The Baseball Desert
Dan Cichalski / MLB.com:
Milledge, two others, left off Mets roster — Rookie outfielder one of three players not included for NLDS — NEW YORK — As part of the only Division Series that will not begin play until Wednesday, the Mets have a little more time to set their 25-man roster for the series against the Dodgers.
Discussion:
Baseball Crank
Jim Molony / MLB.com:
Twins-A's: Position analysis — CATCHER EDGE: TWINS — Jason Kendall's batting average and on-base percentage are both more than 50 points higher after the break than before. The Oakland backstop has very little power, but he does get on base, doesn't strike out much and at 32 years old is still more than adequate defensively.
Discussion:
Twinkie Town
Mike Berardino / Chicago Tribune:
Girardi's dismissal looms — Marlins may quickly snap up Gonzalez to fend off other teams — MIAMI — They won't exactly pass each other in the Dolphin Stadium parking lot, but it shouldn't take long for the Marlins to grab the keys from Joe Girardi and hand them to Fredi Gonzalez.
David Kravets / Associated Press:
Prosecutor cites "inaccuracies" in steroids story — The federal prosecutor overseeing an investigation of steroids in baseball said Monday a newspaper report that five players, including Roger Clemens, had used illegal performance-enhancing drugs contained "significant inaccuracies."
USA Today:
Networks take N.Y. minute to decide baseball's two postseason money series — Major League Baseball's first-round playoff TV schedule, finalized Sunday, is predictable. — Fox and ESPN have cast the New York Yankees (in a series vs. the Detroit Tigers) as the big TV star.
