Top News:
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 …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
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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.
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
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.”
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Johan brings big boost to Mets' hopes — Career-high 125 pitches, key single help narrow NL East race — NEW YORK — Mets heroes were many in the victory that moved their season from the brink Tuesday night. And they were hailed heartily by those who gathered at Shea Stadium in hopes of witnessing that needed reversal.
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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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
Jon Krawczynski / Associated Press:
Twins rout White Sox, pull within 1 1-2 — MINNEAPOLIS (AP)—Javier Vazquez has been fighting the label of big-game flopper for his entire career. — That fight will only intensify after falling flat in his latest chance with the ball in his hands and a lot on the line.
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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.
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
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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 …
Terence Moore / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Aaron recalls making call on Chipper — When Hank Aaron leaves you a message to call his southwest Atlanta home as soon as possible, you dial his number even faster than that. Said the man who is baseball's legitimate home run king instead of that other guy, “Something has just been bothering me, really.
Discussion:
Sabernomics
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Dodgers blow by Padres — Six-run first inning helps LA trim magic number to three — LOS ANGELES — Nomar Garciaparra and Blake DeWitt slugged three-run homers Tuesday night in a 10-1 win that, coupled with Arizona's loss, sliced the Dodgers' magic number to three.
Discussion:
Sons of Steve Garvey
