It's official: Epstein resigns and joins Cubs  —  Theo Epstein resigned as general manager of the Red Sox tonight and on Tuesday will be introduced as the president of baseball operations of the Cubs.  The Red Sox will name Ben Cherington as his successor that same day.

Cardinals criticized for not speaking to media after Game 2  —  • The Cardinals would prefer to let their bats and gloves do their talking.  But because this is the World Series, that is not an option.  —  When they landed Saturday afternoon, the National League champions found themselves tied …

Selig, Costas discuss possible changes to game  —  Commissioner touches on realignment, replay, retirement  —  Commissioner Bud Selig sat down to speak with Bob Costas in an interview that aired Friday night on MLB Network, discussing the state of Major League Baseball — including a few changes that could be coming soon.

Source: Citi Field changes on tap  —  Substantial dimension changes to Citi Field will be announced after the World Series, in an effort to make the 3-year-old ballpark more hitter-friendly, a team official confirmed.  —  Citi Field allowed 1.33 homers per game last season …

Toronto— From Saturday's Globe and Mail  —  We'll know by this time next week whether Mark McGwire has won another World Series ring.  It won't be until January that we'll know how much his reputation has been saved.  —  But make no mistake: reading what amounts to baseball's version of the tea leaves …

PADRES: Byrnes expected to replace Hoyer as GM  —  SAN DIEGO — Josh Byrnes is poised to become the new general manager of the Padres.  —  A team source confirmed Friday night that the Chicago Cubs asked for permission to speak to Padres general manager Jed Hoyer following the hiring …

Blue Jays claim righty Chavez from Royals  —  KANSAS CITY — Right-handed reliever Jesse Chavez was claimed on waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays, the Royals announced on Friday.  He was designated for assignment on Oct. 11.  —  Chavez appeared in four September games for Kansas City with no record and a 10.57 ERA.

Hold Your Horses  —  A couple of days ago, a major news agency published a report stating that Yu Darvish has decided to pursue an MLB career via the posting system this offseason.  The news was widely repeated and set off a wave of speculation.  —  Unfortunately it was a little premature.

2011 Major League Rookie of the Year: Jeremy Hellickson  —  ST. PETERSBURG, FLA.—Jeremy Hellickson does at least look like a rookie.  —  The 24-year-old's baby face, his preferred wardrobe of jeans and a T-shirt, his non-stop attachment to his iPad and his quiet Midwestern demeanor might …

Five years after last shot at Series, Mets face game-changing winter  —  Mets on Twitter  —  “We'll explore Wright's market,” a team official said.  “I think considering where we are as an organization, it would be foolish not to at least look at it.  However, I expect actually pulling the trigger is a long shot.”

Orioles to interview Watson next week  —  The Orioles have received permission from the Los Angeles Dodgers to interview De Jon Watson for the club's vacant top front office job, according to an industry source.  Watson will be the third candidate to be interviewed, but likely not the last.