Top News:
Matthew Leach / MLB.com:
Cardinals secure first title since 1982 — Weaver pitches gem, and Eckstein plays pivotal role yet again — ST. LOUIS — It didn't take 80-plus years. It only felt that way. — The Cardinals won their first World Series championship since 1982 on Friday night, topping …
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Ronald Blum / Associated Press:
St. Louis 4, Detroit 2 — ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals barely got to the postseason, much less the World Series, and then they had to survive rain and cold as much as the bumbling Detroit Tigers. — They'll take it, though. — They beat the Tigers 4-2 on Friday night behind …
Sports Illustrated:
Closer Look — Thirty-eight years later, history is repeated in Series — ST. LOUIS — The question was inevitable. What did Curtis Granderson know about Curt Flood's famous World Series slip in 1968? "Uh...I was nowhere even close to being born," the 25-year-old Tigers centerfielder …
Mark Pesavento / Yahoo! Sports:
Life of the party — ST. LOUIS - In a clubhouse filled with a Cy Young Award winner (Chris Carpenter), the best player on the planet (Albert Pujols), an eight-time Gold Glove center fielder (Jim Edmonds) and arguably the best third baseman in the National League (Scott Rolen) …
Jose de Jesus Ortiz / Baseball:
Is Kenny Rogers scared? Are the Tigers choking? — Do you get it? The Tigers are on the brink of elimination, but they just refuse to start the supposed best starter of the postseason. No wonder Jim Leyland got testy on Wednesday when he was asked if he'd start Kenny Rogers in Game 5.
Scott Miller / CBS SportsLine.com:
Gritty little Eckstein comes up big for Cards — ST. LOUIS — Forget catching a Tiger by the tail. How about catching a David Eckstein by the tail? — That has been one of the most difficult tasks for opponents for years, and it was never in evidence like it was in Game 4 of the World Series.
Jerry Crasnick / ESPN:
Cardinals shortstop leading the charge … ST. LOUIS — David Eckstein is so small, frail and innocent-looking, Madonna might try to adopt him any day now. — Then you see him gritting his teeth through the aches and pains, fouling off tough pitches and laying out for balls in the hole …
Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com:
Tigers' Series title hopes on the ropes — Detroit must regroup quickly to stave off elimination — ST. LOUIS — These two teams have been here before — 38 years ago — with the Cardinals leading the Tigers three games to one in the World Series. And the record shows how that one turned out.
Discussion:
The Baseball Files
Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com:
Bonds to file for free agency — Slugger plans to put in paperwork after the World Series — ST. LOUIS — Barry Bonds will file for free agency as soon as the period opens at midnight a day after the end of the World Series, his agent said on Friday when reached via telephone in Los Angeles.
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Tim Leonard / MLB.com:
Evans continues to elevate his game — Angels prospect playing well in Arizona Fall League — Jeremy Bonderman has shown that being traded for Jeff Weaver can help your career. The young right-hander was a key member of the Detroit staff that has the Tigers in the World Series.
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Tim Leonard / MLB.com:
D'Antona to play in AFL's All-Star Game — Prospect's early struggles not a cause of concern for D-backs — James D'Antona had a strong 2006 campaign for the Double-A Tennessee Smokies. He played mostly at first and third base while cracking 17 home runs with 67 RBIs and a .310 batting average.
Discussion:
AZ Snakepit
MLB.com:
Cubs add three to Major League coaching staff — The Chicago Cubs today announced that the club has added Mike Quade as third base coach, Matt Sinatro as first base coach and Lester Strode as bullpen coach. — Quade, 49, will also serve as the club's outfield and base running instructor.
Discussion:
The Cub Reporter
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Stephen Ellsesser / search.japantimes.co.jp:
Fighters clinch Japan Series championship — SAPPORO — Hokkaido didn't have to wait long for its first Japan Series championship. — Three years after the Nippon Ham Fighters packed their bags for the northern island, they became Japan Series champions, clinching the title with a 4-1 victory …
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Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Notes: Franco to coach MLB All-Stars — Mets veteran will act as hitting instructor for Japan series — PHOENIX — Even at the age of 47, Julio Franco is still an active baseball player. But over the next couple of weeks, the right-handed hitting reserve of the New York Mets will get a feel …
Jim Baumbach / Newsday:
Yanks waiting on Sheffield decision — The Yankees have not yet officially picked up Gary Sheffield's $13 million 2007 option, although they "probably will" in due time, a person familiar with the situation told Newsday. — Multiple reports this morning, stemming from a story …
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Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Skaalen named new hitting coach — Brewers hope veteran instructor can cure team's hitting woes — MILWAUKEE — The Brewers did not stray far in their search for a new hitting coach. — The team promoted from within, naming Minor League hitting coordinator Jim Skaalen to the Major League staff on Friday.
Grant / McCovey Chronicles:
Bochy — I can understand a lack of enthusiasm with Bruce Bochy. He's about as exciting as Warriors preseason basketball on the radio. Trust me on that one, as that's how I avoided listening to Joe Buck and Tim McCarver. But the end of the world? Absolutely not.
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Mark Sheldon / MLB.com:
Redsfest is back in town — Meet players and play games during the two-day extravaganza — CINCINNATI — It's been a couple of years, but Reds fans once again have a place to heat up their Hot Stove talk and passion for baseball this winter. — Yes, RedsFest is back.
