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 …

Brewers seek upper hand 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 …

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 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 …

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 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.

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 …

Indians look within to fill coaching vacancies  —  Radinsky, Miller and Wiedenbauer assume new roles with club  —  CLEVELAND — The Indians looked internally to fill the vacancies on manager Manny Acta's coaching staff.  —  On Friday, Cleveland announced that Scott Radinsky has been named …

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 …

Berkman, Ellsbury earn Comeback awards  —  All-Star outfielders Lance Berkman of the Cardinals and Jacoby Ellsbury of the Red Sox were named the winners of the 2011 Comeback Player of the Year Awards on Thursday, as the annual rollout of Major League Baseball's individual hardware got under way.