Red Sox owner John Henry: “I personally opposed” signing Carl Crawford  —  During an appearance on CBS Radio in Boston this afternoon Red Sox owner John Henry explained that he “personally opposed” the team's decision to sign free agent Carl Crawford to a seven-year, $142 million contract last offseason.

Brewers, Cards seek edge in NLCS  —  Now that the Milwaukee Brewers have snapped their decades-long postseason road losing streak, they have a chance to regain the advantage in their NL championship series against the St. Louis Cardinals.  —  Looking to build on their first playoff road win in 29 years …

Carlos Pena sold on Theo Epstein's way of doing things  —  Theo Epstein thought enough of Carlos Pena five years ago to sign him with the Red Sox organization.  Does he think enough of Pena now to keep the pending free agent in a Cubs uniform next year?  —  Pena, for one, thinks the hiring …

Angels — not Dodgers — close to new TV deal with Fox?  —  As Dodgers owner Frank McCourt seeks the intervention of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to pursue a new television contract for his team, the Angels could be nearing a lucrative deal of their own with Fox Sports.

The Mets will hire Bob Geren to be the bench coach  —  According to multiple reports, the Mets will hire Bob Geren to be Terry Collins' bench coach, although Adam Rubin of ESPN New York says the Mets will interview Dave Jauss as well, who served as Jerry Manuel's bench coach in 2010.

Verlander steps up for Tigers  —  Justin Verlander walked down the steps and headed straight to the other end of the dugout, still wearing his game face.  He put down his glove, turned back around and walked purposefully toward the Tigers' clubhouse, not stopping, not saying a word.

The eyes of Texas upon CC?  —  A baseball source told ESPNNewYork.com today that the Texas Rangers, currently one win away from a second straight trip to the World Series but likely to lose starter C.J. Wilson to free agency over the winter, are preparing to make a strong bid to sign CC Sabathia …

Harper: Heavy hitter could fit in city  —  The Yankees need an aging, slow-footed, full-time DH like they need higher ticket prices.  But it was pretty funny to hear David Ortiz wax poetic about the team he killed for so many years because, well, honestly - did you ever think you'd hear …

Frustrated Twins fans want to know: Is this the real Delmon Young?  —  Delmon Young steps on the plate in front of Texas Rangers catcher Mike Napoli after hitting a two-run home run during the sixth inning of Thursday's Game 5.  —  As if a 99-loss season wasn't depressing enough for Twins fans …

It's All ‘Moneyball’ Now  —  If you're interested in learning how agile, innovative thinking can triumph over deep pockets, go out and see “Moneyball” — or just stay home and watch baseball's 2011 playoffs.  —  Of the four teams that are still alive — the Detroit Tigers, the Texas Rangers …