Top News:
Steve Buckley / Boston Herald:
Source: Josh Beckett has oblique injury — Sox ace may be in hole — The Red Sox [team stats] could be facing a Tom Brady [stats]-like blow to their postseason plans. — Just as the Patriots [team stats] are trying to make it work this season without the injured Brady as their quarterback …
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Adam Kilgore / Boston Globe:
Francona on Beckett — The following is Terry Francona answering questions tonight about Josh Beckett's right oblique strain and his playoff availability: — Q: Oblique injuries can be tricky. How confident are you Josh will pitch Game 3? — A: I don't think we would slot him in.
Joshua Robinson / New York Times:
The Ceremony: Saying Goodbye to Shea Stadium — Nearly 30 minutes after Ryan Church made the last out that will ever be made at Shea Stadium, dashing the Mets' playoff hopes for 2008, most of the 56,059 fans remained in their seats on Sunday. — Surly and bruised, they booed when players …
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Associated Press:
Same ol' misery for Mets as New York misses playoffs on last day — CBSSports.com wire reports — NEW YORK — 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 …
Ben Shpigel / New York Times:Bitter Repeat On Stadium's Final Day
Discussion:
The Mets Are Better Than Sex
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
That might be it for the Moose — It's not official yet. But I think we just saw Mike Mussina pitch his last major league game. — After Mussina did a television interview after the game, he was the last player into the clubhouse and his teammates were waiting all together in the room to give him a standing ovation.
Discussion:
River Ave. Blues
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Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Mussina Wins His 20th Game — BOSTON — It took until the last day of what could be his final season in the major leagues, but Mike Mussina made it on Sunday, at last. Mussina reached the milestone that has eluded him for 18 seasons, earning his 20th victory as the Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, 6-2.
Discussion:
matsuifan.com
George A. King III / New York Post:GM TELLS STEINBRENNERS HE WANTS TO RETURN
Discussion:
The LoHud Yankees Blog, Pinstriped Scranton, SOX & Dawgs, NY Daily News, YFSF, Scott Proctor's Arm and Sliding Into Home
Jon Heyman / Sports Illustrated:
Despite collapse, Mets retain Manuel — NEW YORK — The Mets have decided to bring back Jerry Manuel as manager despite the disappointing end to their season, SI.com has learned. — Manuel is expected to be approached to hammer out a new contract in the next day or two.
Discussion:
Associated Press, Baseball Musings, Ya Gotta Believe, Mets Fever and The LoHud Mets Blog
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
Discussion:
Federal Baseball
MLB.com:
Division Series broadcast schedule announced — TBS to Televise All Division Series Games; ESPN Radio Will Provide National Coverage — The following is the national broadcast schedule for the potential tie-breaker game that will determine the American League Central title and the American League …
Associated Press:
Dodgers reliever Kuo will miss first round of playoffs — CBSSports.com wire reports — SAN FRANCISCO — Los Angeles lefty reliever Hong-Chih Kuo will not pitch in the NL division series for the Dodgers as a precaution because of a possible condition with his circulation.
Discussion:
Los Angeles Times
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Scioscia announces rotation and roster — ANAHIEM - John Lackey, Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders will pitch the first three games of the AL Division Series in that order starting Wednesday, Angels manager Mike Scioscia announced after Sunday's 7-0 win over the Texas Rangers.
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 …
New York Post:
KEY ACQUISITIONS TO RETURN YANKEES TO GLORY — BOSTON - Three moves. — That's what the Yankees have to make this winter and they will be back in the postseason and probably the World Series again next season. — Three mighty moves. — The Rays and Red Sox are ahead of the Yankees because of pitching and defense.
Discussion:
Sliding Into Home
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