Top News:
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Steinbrenner Takes Another Day to Decide on Torre — If George Steinbrenner had acted on his impulse after the Yankees' swift playoff exit Saturday, Joe Torre would already be a former Yankees manager. But Steinbrenner took a second day to contemplate Torre's fate, which could only be an encouraging sign for Torre.
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ESPN:
In-demand Piniella rules out Nationals job — Lou Piniella will not entertain offers to manage the Washington Nationals, saying the job of guiding that rebuilding team should go to a younger skipper. — Piniella met with Washington general manager Jim Bowden, but ruled himself out as a candidate …
Discussion:
GROTA
Associated Press:
Twins pick up $12 million option on Hunter for '07 — MINNEAPOLIS — Torii Hunter will be back with the Minnesota Twins for at least one more year. — The Twins said Tuesday they picked up Hunter's $12 million option. — Hunter, 31, a five-time Gold Glove winner in center field, was a big part of the Twins' AL Central title.
Discussion:
Nick & Nick's Twins Blog, A Large Regular, 6-4-2, High and Tight, MLB Trade Rumors and Camden Chat
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StarTribune.com:
Twins pick up Hunter's $12 million option — The Twins have picked up the $12 million option on Torii Hunter's contract for 2007, which will tie a club record for a one-year salary. — Hunter, and his agent, Larry Reynolds, were notifed of the move Tuesday morning.
Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Patient Tigers put away A's in Game 1 — Detroit raps 11 hits en route to ALCS-opening victory — OAKLAND — Work the count. Wear down the pitcher. Get guys on base, hit them along and get them in. — On most nights of the season, it's the "Moneyball" variation that the A's have ridden …
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Adam Rubin / NY Mets Blog:
Transcript: Willie on Cliff, Carlos, Etc. — Q. Can you just update us on Cliff's status and when and if you've made a decision. — WILLIE RANDOLPH: He had a nice little workout, swung the bat well in BP, and we're going to just wait until tomorrow to decide when he comes in.
Discussion:
The Eddie Kranepool Society
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Baseball America:
Harrington Signs Deal With The Cubs — After six years, five draft selections and three independent league teams, Matt Harrington is finally headed to affiliated baseball. — Harrington, the seventh overall pick in the 2000 draft, signed a minor league contract with the Cubs …
Richard Sandomir / New York Times:
White Sox Have New Start Time: 7-Eleven — It is not easy to conjure $500,000 out of the ether, but the Chicago White Sox have discovered a way. Their financial trick was really quite simple. — They changed their evening game times at U.S. Cellular Field.
Discussion:
South Side Sox
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Nomar is TSN Comeback Player of '06 — First baseman honored by peers after rebound season — LOS ANGELES — Dodgers first baseman Nomar Garciaparra has been named winner of The Sporting News National League Comeback Player of the Year in voting by fellow National League players.
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
MLB unveils roster for Japan tour — Philadelphia's Howard highlights collection of stars — Not all Major Leaguers will have their bats and gloves packed up in November. A star-studded crew, led by Phillies slugger Ryan Howard, will go on a six-game tour of Japan.
Lee Jenkins / New York Times:
Cardinals' Eckstein Perfects the Art of Small-Ball Guile — David Eckstein laying down a squeeze bunt in the sixth inning Sunday night. Eckstein's bunt scored Scott Spiezio from third in the Cardinals' 6-2 victory. — To prepare fully for the St. Louis Cardinals, the Mets …
Discussion:
FIRE JOE MORGAN
Mark Irwin / The Sun:
Nazty — VILE ... Croatia fans make human swastika — CROATIA could be kicked out of Euro 2008 if fans abuse England's black players tomorrow. — Soccer chiefs fear trouble after 200 of their supporters formed a human swastika at a friendly in Italy. — UEFA's William Gaillard warned: "We won't tolerate racism.
Mark Sheldon / MLB.com:
Mailbag: How did Reds fare in trades? — Beat writer Mark Sheldon answers Reds fans' questions — Welcome to the first edition of the Reds offseason mailbag. — Each Monday I'll try to answer your questions about the Reds season that was and the one upcoming.
Discussion:
Red Reporter
Richard / SportsJustice:
You're wrong about A-Rod (and you're bald, too) — Friends, I come to you today with a heavy heart. No use hiding my feelings. You've hurt me too much already. I understand that sometimes we disagree on things. That's one of the reasons blogs exist.
Discussion:
FIRE JOE MORGAN
Richard Sandomir / New York Times:
On Fox, Sour Notes From a Pair of Veteran Voices — It was difficult not to see that the left-hander Tyler Johnson had come in to relieve for the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday night. — His name is on the back of his uniform. Fox flashed up a graphic. To paraphrase the old umpire Jim Honochick …