Reverse Psychology  —  This is the Cubs' big chance.  This is their Red Sox moment.  —  The Cubs now face the same galling indignity, and the same disguised opportunity, that Boston grabbed so spectacularly four years ago when it trailed the Yanks three games to none but came back to reverse the curse.

Mets skipper Manuel agrees to return  —  Jerry Manuel has agreed to return as New York Mets manager, SI.com has confirmed.  Manuel will get a two year contract, plus a club option for a third season.  —  When Manuel took over as interim manager for the fired Willie Randolph in mid-June …

Cardinals facing a pivotal offseason  —  With big contracts coming off the books, St. Louis has room to be active  —  Last winter, the Cardinals spent most of the offseason getting younger and more flexible.  Most of John Mozeliak's task in his first offseason as general manager consisted …

Padres' Greene grievance won't be heard before spring training  —  A grievance the Padres are pursuing against shortstop Khalil Greene likely will not be heard before spring training, said Mike Weiner of the major league players association.  —  The union is representing Greene in response …

Howie Kendrick  —  I love Howie Kendrick.  I think he's a future batting champion.  But he needs to be on the bench on Sunday.  He needs to be far away from the batters box unless they're desperate for a pinch hitter.  He's 0-9 in the series with five strike outs, and he's left 11 men on base.

Why they'll win...  The Sox can, and I think will, win the World Series this year for a number of reasons:  —  UPDATE AFTER GAME 2!  Two really important pieces, that I think can mean quite a bit, or nothing at all, to different people.  They are coming home, where they are about as good as anyone …

Old man Jamie Moyer looks to finish Philly sweep  —  MILWAUKEE - After Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel reminisced Friday about Gil Hodges' World Series exploits in the 1950s, Jamie Moyer couldn't help himself.  —  “I think I faced Gil Hodges in that series,” Moyer joked.

Rivera's surgery slated for Tuesday  —  Veteran closer looks to begin Spring Training on time  —  NEW YORK — Yankees closer Mariano Rivera will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his sore right shoulder on Tuesday, the team has announced.  The procedure will be performed by Dr. David Altchek …

Bill Murray offers advice to the Cubs  —  Bill Murray has not lost hope.  —  In fact, the life-long Cubs fan has some advice for the ailing boys in blue.  —  “They're not out of it yet, it's baseball,” said Murray, during a Friday interview with the Tribune to promote his new movie “City of Ember.”

Hurdle not alone regarding security  —  While a faction of the media has attempted to create a buzz about the future of Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, there never was a desire within the organization to make a managerial change.  —  And the fact he will be in the final year of his contract …

The Bronx Is Turning  —  With seven possible free agents freeing up $75 million, what should the Yankees' game plan be for 2009?  —  Whether the New York Yankees resign Mike Mussina depends almost entirely on his wife, Jana.  —  The rejuvenated free agent—who, at 39 …