MLB Playoffs: Cardinals slug their way to World Series  —  An afterthought in early September, the St. Louis Cardinals are taking their wild ride all the way to the World Series.  —  David Freese hit a three-run homer in the first and manager Tony La Russa turned again to his brilliant bullpen …

Epstein one of best deciphering numbers  —  His arrival will enhance Cubs' move toward analytics, sabermetrics  —  Theo Epstein smokes a cigar after the Red Sox beat the Rockies in the 2007 World Series.  (Rob Tringali/Sportschrome, Getty Images / October 28, 2007)

Rangers aren't sitting on their AL throne without Young  —  CBSSports.com Baseball Insider  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — The Rangers didn't need Cliff Lee to get back to the World Series.  —  They did need Michael Young.  —  They weren't severely damaged on that night in December …

Yankees will look for in-house offseason fixes  —  This is the time of year in which we have the Yankees involved in every major scenario involving the acquisition of big-time players.  This is what happens when your history is to chase stars and swell payroll.

Frank and Jamie McCourt reach settlement involving Dodgers  —  In the agreement, she would give up any claim to the team, multiple people familiar with the deal say.  It would appear to set up a winner-take-all court showdown between Frank and Commissioner Selig.

Bobby Valentine, Executive Producer, But What's Next?  —  Big league manager on two continents, ESPN broadcaster, civil servant in Stamford, CT and now executive producer is a term you can use to describe Bobby Valentine.  The man that seems to have his hand in just about everything …

Nelson: Marcum trying to save Brewers  —  Time for righty to put bad six weeks and postseason behind him in elimination game  —  MILWAUKEE — He will take the mound on Sunday in the most pressurized game of his career, during a time when some of the biggest questions about him as a pitcher exist.

Inside the Phillies: Is window of opportunity closing on aging Phillies?  —  Windows are as much a part of baseball as hot dogs, peanuts, and cracker jacks.  —  Whenever there is rain in the forecast, the owners are always looking for that window in the sky that will allow them to play ball and avoid postponement.

Wang hopes for new deal with Nationals  —  WASHINGTON — The Nationals and representatives for right-hander Chien-Ming Wang continue to talk about a contract extension, but they are not close to a deal, according to a baseball source.  —  The source said that both sides want to continue to work together.