Top News:
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Marshall earns NLDS spot in Cubs' loss — Piniella tickets lefty for postseason 'pen after five solid frames — NEW YORK — The Cubs still don't know who their opponent will be in the playoffs, but they're starting to get a better feel for who will be in their bullpen next week.
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Anthony Rieber / Newsday:
Santana's lucky bat propels Mets past Cubs — Mets pitcher Johan Santana is hugged in the dugout by Jose Reyes after Santana pitched eight innings in Tuesday night's 6-2 win over the Cubs. (Newsday Photo / Kathy Kmonicek / September 23, 2008) — The Mets followed the bouncing ball …
Anthony McCarron / NY Daily News:
Johan Santana's broken-bat hit sparks Mets' rally in 6-2 win over Cubs — Johan Santana swings away in the fifth inning with the Mets trailing 2-0 ... Lou Piniella called it Johan Santana's “magic bat trick.” Santana said his quirky grounder should “count for two hits.”
NY Daily News:
All that's missing for Mets is the black cat — Black cat. Black bat. It's always something when these teams meet, which is why the Mets should be very pleased today they may be playing these same Chicago Cubs again in some very important games next week.
Discussion:
The 'Ropolitans
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Lou Piniella cites ‘toll’ of managing — NEW YORK - Cubs manager Lou Piniella is only one victory shy of his 1,700th career triumph as manager, but he seems to be weary of the long grind that accompanies the season. — “It has been a tough year,” Piniella told the New York Daily News.
Buster Olney / ESPN.com:
Sources: Mets GM Minaya to get 4-year extension … Omar Minaya will receive a four-year extension to continue as general manager of the New York Mets, sources said on Tuesday. The deal is all but done, but it is not known when the extension will be formally announced.
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Bill Chastain / MLB.com:
Rays have two ALDS sellouts — First playoff games at Tropicana Field prove hot tickets — BALTIMORE — The Rays have sold out the first two playoff games that will be played at Tropicana Field. — A limited number of tickets will still be available for fans who make deposits on 2009 season tickets.
Discussion:
The Griddle
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Bill Chastain / MLB.com:
Shields helps Rays get closer to title — Starter works seven to win Game 1, tie Arrojo for club record — BALTIMORE — James Shields went deep into the game to complete his mission, and the Rays got some timely hitting to take a 5-2 win over the Orioles in the first game of a doubleheader Tuesday night at Camden Yards.
Discussion:
ESPN
Jon Heyman / Sports Illustrated:
Yankees want answer from Cashman … Brian Cashman was asked by the Steinbrenners to respond by next week to their offer to return as Yankees general manager, according to people familiar with the situation. — Cashman's current three-year, $5.5-million contract doesn't expire until Oct. 31 …
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Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Yanks' playoff streak comes to end — Boston's victory knocks New York out of Wild Card contention — TORONTO — Joe Girardi had spoken optimistically of keeping his Yankees alive in the postseason discussion, even against long odds. His reasoning? There had not been an ‘X’ affixed …
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer …
Ken Mandel / MLB.com:
Champagne still waiting as Phils fall — Hamels effective but outdueled in loss to Braves — PHILADELPHIA — Crates of champagne likely nestle somewhere in the bowels of Citizens Bank Park, ready for clubhouse relocation when needed. — At some point between now and Sunday …
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David Pinto / Baseball Musings:The East Contracts — The Phillies lose and the Mets win …
Discussion:
The Good Phight
Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
Vazquez loses as Twins close on Sox — Offense stays quiet as Minnesota cuts division lead to 1 1/2 — MINNEAPOLIS — White Sox fans might need to take the ultimate “cup is half full” approach when breaking down Minnesota's 9-3 victory Tuesday night at the Metrodome.
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Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Treanor's wife gets votes of confidence — Marlins call in for Olympian in ‘Dancing with the Stars’ debut — WASHINGTON — In their own small way, the Marlins are doing their part to rally behind the famous wife of a teammate. — Catcher Matt Treanor's wife, Misty May-Treanor, is a participant on ABC's “Dancing with the Stars.”
Discussion:
FishStripes
Juan C. Rodriguez / Sun-Sentinel:
Florida Marlins' Lo Duca looks to revive career in 2009 — WASHINGTON - Catcher Paul Lo Duca didn't get too choked up about returning to Washington for the first time since the Nationals cut him Aug. 1. — Signed to a $5 million, one-year contract, Lo Duca spent time on the Nationals' disabled list …
