Epstein accepts five-year deal from Cubs  —  Two team sources confirmed reports that Theo Epstein has reached agreement with the Cubs on a five-year contract and will officially leave the Red Sox before the end of the week.  —  The deal is believed to be worth $15 million with Epstein receiving …

Tito victim of latest Sox smear campaign  —  Ex-manager learning the hard way that no one gets out of Boston with reputation intact … BOSTON — Terry Francona is paying a dear price for deviating, however briefly, from the script.  —  He was supposed to say the decision to end …

Cards resolve ticket issue with Brewers  —  The Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers played down a flap over seating for friends and family of visiting players as a “misunderstanding.”  —  “There was some concern initially among the players about the situation, but it worked out,” said Brewers traveling secretary Dan Larrea.

Cardinals 4, Brewers 3: N.L.C.S. — Cardinals Strike Early, and Bullpen Does the Rest  —  ST. LOUIS — Under normal circumstances, Chris Carpenter would be nervous handing a one-run lead to a bullpen with four innings left to play.  —  But with the way the relievers in the St. Louis Cardinals' bullpen …

Jack McKeon used to lock Marlins' clubhouse door to keep Josh Beckett out during games  —  Josh Beckett is among the Red Sox pitchers who reportedly drank beer, ate fried chicken, and played video games in the clubhouse during games and former Marlins manager Jack McKeon recalls locking …

Porcello left to wonder what might have been  —  DETROIT — Rick Porcello had 'em on their feet early.  The 42,234 in Comerica Park had watched the young Tigers right-hander all season, but they had never seen him like this.  —  Porcello wasn't just retiring the Texas Rangers.