Top News:
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nationals dismiss five coaches — Pitching coach St. Claire to return to Acta's staff in 2009 — WASHINGTON — The Nationals informed all of manager Manny Acta's coaches, except for pitching coach Randy St. Claire, on Sunday morning that they will not be back for the 2009 season.
RELATED:
Chico Harlan / Washington Post:
Breaking News: All of Acta's Assistants Gone, Except St. Claire — Up here in the press box, where the Nats are losing 8-3 in the bottom of the eighth, we just got word on one of the major offseason decisions: Washington will be bringing only one of its assistant coaches, Randy St. Claire, back for next season.
Discussion:
Federal Baseball
Ben Shpigel / New York Times:
Mets Say Goodbye to Season and to Shea — The Mets have tried distancing themselves from last year's epic collapse, but they cannot help themselves. For the second consecutive season, they were bounced from postseason contention by the Florida Marlins on the final day of the season …
Discussion:
The Mets Are Better Than Sex
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Mets say goodbye to Shea, playoffs with crushing loss — Mets collapse, the sequel. — Doomed by a dreadful bullpen that failed them again Sunday, the New York Mets completed their second consecutive September slide with a 4-2 loss to Florida that knocked them out of playoff contention in the final game at Shea Stadium.
David Pinto / Baseball Musings:Taking the Helms — Wes Helms pinch hits to get a right-handed bat …
Discussion:
The Good Phight
George A. King III / New York Post:
GM TELLS STEINBRENNERS HE WANTS TO RETURN — BOSTON - While Brian Cashman remained mum about his future, the buzz smothering the Yankees' universe yesterday focused on the GM telling the Steinbrenner family he wants to return. — An announcement could come as soon as tomorrow.
Discussion:
Pinstriped Scranton, NY Daily News, The LoHud Yankees Blog, SOX & Dawgs, YFSF, Scott Proctor's Arm and Sliding Into Home
RELATED:
Mike Lupica / NY Daily News:What are the Yankees going to do now? — We talk a lot …
Discussion:
BASEBALL HOT CORNER
Jerry Crasnick / ESPN:
Phillies can kick back and relax after winning NL East … PHILADELPHIA — The 45,177 red-clad, towel-waving zanies at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday yelled themselves hoarse in support of the hometown Phillies. But their emotional investment was nothing compared to the ups and downs pitcher Cole Hamels endured.
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Associated Press:
Hamels set to start Game 1 of NLDS for Phillies … PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Phillies ace Cole Hamels will pitch Game 1 of the division series when the NL East champions open Wednesday at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers or Milwaukee Brewers. — Hamels went 14-10 with a 3.09 ERA this season …
Discussion:
Associated Press
Associated Press:
Brewers beat Cubs 3-1, clinch playoff spot — MILWAUKEE - CC Sabathia and Ryan Braun put the Milwaukee Brewers in the playoffs for the first time since 1982 — with big help from the New York Mets. — Making his third consecutive start on three days' rest, Sabathia pitched a four-hitter …
RELATED:
Chicago Sun Times:
White Sox beat Indians, force game Monday — FROM SUN-TIMES STAFF REPORTS — The White Sox beat the Cleveland Indians 5-1 today and will host the Detroit Tigers on Monday with the AL Central Division crown on the line. — The Minnesota Twins lead the Kansas City Royals.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
RELATED:
Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Holliday irked that injury could affect contract talks — PHOENIX — Matt Holliday took umbrage Saturday with the characterization that his back injury might influence future contract talks with the Rockies. — Holliday has missed three games in a week because of a stiff back.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Toronto Sun:
The A.J. saga is just beginning and — BALTIMORE — Baseball's silly season is off to a rousing start. — The will-he-or-won't-he saga concerning Jays right-hander A.J. Burnett is officially off and running following a report that the Jays were willing to offer him an additional $30 million US …
John Lowe / Detroit Free Press:
Inge will be Tigers' third baseman in '09; Guillen will move to left field — Brandon Inge will be the Tigers' everyday third baseman next season, and Carlos Guillen will move from third base to left field, manager Jim Leyland said Saturday. — The moves appear to have been triggered …
Ed Price / New Jersey Online:
20 or not, Yankees' ‘Moose’ may still retire — NOTEBOOK — BOSTON — It has been 105 years since a pitcher won 19 or more games and voluntarily retired healthy. — Mike Mussina seems to be considering it. — Mussina on Sunday will attempt to become a 20-game winner for the first time in his career …
RELATED:
Kobrien / On the Yankees beat:Mussina up in air about future, Jeter done for season
Discussion:
YanksBlog.com
