Epstein looks ahead to the winter  —  Had the Red Sox won yesterday, Fenway Park would be brimming with activity right now with batting practice about to begin before Game 4 of the ALDS.  Instead the stands are empty, the mound and plate are covered and all is quiet save a few writers …

Rockies' Ubaldo, Phillies' Lee in pitching duel in Game 4  —  DENVER — Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has the pitcher he wants going in tonight's Game 4 of the National League Division Series.  —  But Colorado Rockies manager Jim Tracy isn't cringing about the matchup that pits …

NY Yankees' GM Brian Cashman says this is one of the Yankees' ‘better teams’ … MINNEAPOLIS — Yankees general manager Brian Cashman leaned against a wall in the visitor's clubhouse at the Metrodome on Sunday night, seemingly oblivious to the celebration dying down around him.

There's certainly a lot to love about the Angels; more notes (cont.)  —  Abreu thriving in Southern Cal, a good spot for him  —  Abreu was shocked at his lack of market last offseason, but he should do better this time, especially with Scioscia calling him the team MVP (he would have been the ALDS MVP …

NY Yankees set up CC Sabathia for Game 1 start in ALCS … MINNEAPOLIS — Even before the Yankees beat the Twins to complete a sweep in the American League Division Series, manager Joe Girardi talked about some extra motivation to close the series out.  —  The Angels, who completed a sweep …

Minor League Transactions  —  The offseason is officially upon us.  The first wave of minor league free agents make their way to the open market as their contracts expire.  The list includes a pair of No. 1 overall draft picks in Kris Benson ('96) and Bryan Bullington ('02).

Offseason Outlook: Toronto Blue Jays  —  Next up in our Offseason Outlook series, the Blue Jays.  Their likely commitments for 2010:  —  C -  —  C - Raul Chavez - $500K+  —  1B - Lyle Overbay - $7MM  —  2B - Aaron Hill - $4MM  —  SS -  —  3B - Edwin Encarnacion - $4.75MM

Astros line up familiar names for manager  —  Garner, Melvin, Yost among 10 candidates set for interviews  —  HOUSTON — Former Astros manager Phil Garner, former Arizona Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin and former Milwaukee Brewers manager Ned Yost are among 10 candidates scheduled to interview …

Lidge turns back the clock in Game 3  —  Phillies closer, after awful regular season, goes into postseason mode and gets save … DENVER — He came trotting out of the bullpen at 2:02 a.m. ET, or Philadelphia Daylight Nail Chewing Time.  —  A year ago, this was his time.  His place.  His mountaintop.

Tigers' pitching core guarantees future  —  With top-flight rotation trio, Detroit will be back in 2010  —  DETROIT — The Tigers have some decisions to make after a division lead they held or shared since May 10 slipped through their grasp on the 163rd game of the season.

Ackley Ready To Debut In AFL  —  No. 2 overall pick will be one of five top-10 picks in Arizona  —  PHOENIX—Opening day of the Arizona Fall League's 18th season, which kicks off Tuesday, will feature the professional debut of college baseball's premier player at his position.