Theo Epstein on brink of joining Cubs  —  + Recent Articles + Recent Blog Entries + Email  —  Two baseball sources have confirmed that Theo Epstein is on the cusp of leaving his job as general manager of the Red Sox [team stats] to accept a position with the Chicago Cubs that is believed …

Rangers' Napoli at DH for break from catching  —  DETROIT — As expected, the Texas Rangers altered their lineup for Game 3 of the AL Championship Series, shifting Michael Young to first base, Mike Napoli to designated hitter, Yorvit Torrealba to catcher and Endy Chavez to left field.

Backman may go to Nationals  —  Mets on Twitter  —  Wally Backman, a candidate for the Mets' managerial opening last offseason, could soon leave the organization, according to a team source.  —  The fiery Backman, 52, is considering the possibility of joining Davey Johnson's coaching staff …

White Sox unveil Robin Ventura  —  CHICAGO — Robin Ventura was introduced Tuesday as the Chicago White Sox's new manager and said he has had plenty of congratulatory phone calls.  The best advice he's heard: be himself.  —  Ventura, who has no major league coaching or managerial experience …

Sabathia will ‘wait and see what happens’ with Yankees contract  —  Love might not conquer business for CC Sabathia.  —  The Yankees ace — a possible free agent — reiterated yesterday he loves being in New York.  But though Sabathia admitted it would be hard to leave, he said that won't necessarily carry his decision.

The End?  —  Hey gang.  For most of you who know me in “real life” you know that I am a pretty direct and to the point guy.  I rarely mince words, and I always give it to you straight.  This post is going to be no different, though with all of the thoughts in my head at the moment …

Sources: Orioles set GM candidates  —  The Orioles have assembled a list of six baseball executives as candidates to succeed Andy MacPhail as the team's next general manager, sources told ESPN The Magazine senior baseball writer Buster Olney.  —  The candidates include current San Diego Padres vice president …

Amaro: ‘This is a championship caliber lineup’  —  Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. held a news conference today at Citizens Bank Park to wrap up the season.  Here are some highlights:  —  On the lineup: “Abilitywise, there is no question in my mind this is a championship caliber lineup and championship caliber players.

Yu and the Mets  —  The next Japanese import is, by most accounts, on his way to America.  Though Yu Darvish has great stuff and will likely be an exciting signing for one American team this offseason, he might not be a great fit for the Mets.  The devil is in the details of the posting process.

Terry Francona shines for Fox … Terry Francona woke up on Tuesday morning to something rare in baseball broadcasting circles: Glowing reviews from critics and viewers.  TERRY FRANCONA HAS STAR TV POTENTIAL, proclaimed Newsday.  Suggested New York Times sports media reporter Richard Sandomir …

SS Rollins thinks he will return to Phillies  —  PHILADELPHIA—The possibility that Jimmy Rollins won't wear red pinstripes again hasn't crossed his mind.  —  The 2007 NL MVP and three-time All-Star shortstop is headed toward free agency for the first time, and he wants to return to the Philadelphia Phillies.