Jon Lester speaks out about beer in the clubhouse, Francona and other issues  —  Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester admitted today that he drank beer in the clubhouse during some games this season and that, “it was the wrong thing to do.”  But he was adamant that such behavior was not to blame for the team's September collapse.

Source: Red Sox wanted Matt Garza  —  The Boston Red Sox initially wanted Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Matt Garza to be included as compensation for general manager Theo Epstein, but the Cubs refused, according to major league sources.  —  Talks began a week ago, after Epstein and the Cubs agreed …

McCourts reach divorce deal  —  LOS ANGELES (AP)  —  Frank and Jamie McCourt have reached a settlement in a costly and nasty feud over control of the Los Angeles Dodgers, paving the way for a showdown in bankruptcy court between the embattled team owner and Major League Baseball.

Draft, realignment among labor issues  —  The announcement of the last collective-bargaining agreement before Game 3 of the 2006 World Series set a target for major league players and owners in their current talks:  —  Strike another new deal during the Series, announce it to the widest possible audience …

Nolan Ryan calls Rangers in six … ARLINGTON, Texas — Rangers CEO Nolan Ryan says his club will win the World Series over the St. Louis Cardinals in six games.  —  Ryan made the prediction on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM's “Galloway & Company” on Monday afternoon.  —  “I think we'll get it done in six,” Ryan said.

Cardinals began this epic rise four years ago  —  MILWAUKEE - On stage stood the architect, the puppeteer and the star.  John Mozeliak, Tony La Russa and David Freese(notes), as they are better known, wore matching grins.  They are the general manager, manager and third baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals …

Bradley on the World Series: Texas Rangers' Michael Young shows Derek Jeter-like qualities  —  The comparison was first introduced by Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long.  In an examination of Derek Jeter's unorthodox, inside-out swing, Long was asked if any other hitters reminded him of Jeter.

Ozzie Guillen fires on White Sox  —  Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen waves to fans following the Sox 4-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday September 26, 2011 at U.S. Cellular Field.  It was Guillen's final game as manager of the White Sox.  Tom Cruze~Sun-Times

Brewers owner Attanasio appears right at home in Milwaukee … Brewers owner Mark Attanasio, a Bronx-raised Brentwood, Calif. resident, is thriving in Milwaukee, the NLCS defeat notwithstanding.  And while some folks around baseball envision him as a potential savior of the Los Angeles Dodgers …

I wish I had good news.  —  And I wish there was an easier way to say it.  The surgeons were unable to operate on Tuesday, because scans showed the regrowth of tumors that had been removed in July.  From all appearances, the remaining cancer has entered a virulent stage.

Carp's elbow not a concern, set to start Game 1  —  ST. LOUIS — Cardinals right-hander Chris Carpenter, the club's probable starter for Wednesday's Game 1 of the World Series on FOX at 7:05 p.m. CT, has dealt with some soreness in his right elbow recently.  However, the club says at this point …

Dwight Howard: The ESQ+A  —  The Orlando Magic's superstar talks about the lockout and fatherhood and being a brand wanting to be a brand  —  Lunch at Mesa Grill, downtown Manhattan.  —  SCOTT RAAB: You having fun at Fashion Week?  —  DWIGHT HOWARD: Yesterday I had front-row seats …