Phillies decline options on Lidge, Oswalt  —  Club could attempt to bring both players back as free agents  —  PHILADELPHIA — It is no surprise the Phillies declined the 2012 options for right-handers Roy Oswalt and Brad Lidge.  —  If Oswalt's mutual option had been exercised …

Rangers, Cards play crucial Game 5 in Arlington  —  The Sports Network  —  (Sports Network) - Chris Carpenter tries to send the Cardinals back to St. Louis with a series lead this evening when they play a crucial World Series Game 5 against Texas at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

Dodgers bankruptcy: Creditors ask judge to deny TV rights sale  —  From the day he took the Dodgers into bankruptcy, owner Frank McCourt has said that selling the team's television rights would enable him to put the Dodgers on solid financial ground, including full payment for all creditors.

Latest on Pujols, Wilson … ARLINGTON, Texas — The Great Albert Pujols added to his incredible legacy with his five-hit, three-homer performance for the ages in Game 3.  But is there any chance this is the final Cardinals chapter of the iconic star's amazing St. Louis story?

Red Sox to name Cherington GM … BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox are set to name Ben Cherington their new general manager on Tuesday.  —  The team announced on Monday that Cherington's promotion from assistant general manager will be announced at a news conference on Tuesday afternoon.

Baseball on Fox  —  I was writing a quarterback factory post that I hope to have up in a little while, but as these things tend to go I went off on this long discourse about Tim McCarver and baseball announcers that sort of overwhelmed the whole thing.  So I pulled that and use it here.

Cardinals leaning toward Lohse if there's a Game 7  —  • The Cardinals would prefer not to face the decision but for now remain inclined to start Kyle Lohse in a possible Game 7.  —  Lohse endured a third consecutive abbreviated start this postseason during the Cardinals' 16-7 win over the Texas Rangers in Saturday's Game 3.

Astros sign three players to Minor League deals  —  HOUSTON — The Astros on Monday signed right-handed pitchers Alberto Arias and Jose Valdez and left-hander Xavier Cedeno to Minor League contracts.  All three were outrighted by the club earlier this month.

Free Agent And Trade Market For First Basemen  —  The Orioles, Rays, Blue Jays, Indians, Cubs, Brewers, Pirates, Cardinals, and Dodgers could be in the market for first base help this offseason.  Despite internal options at the position, the Angels, Mariners, Rangers, Marlins, and Nationals can't escape speculation either.

Free Agent Stock Watch: Edwin Jackson  —  Last night's seven-walk World Series performance was one to forget for the Cardinals' Edwin Jackson, though the righty certainly isn't turning his attention to free agency yet.  Jackson might be the fourth-best free agent starter this offseason; let's take a closer look.

Ready?  OK, now for the ten best postseason series of all-time:  —  10. 1997 ALCS: Indians over the Orioles in six games.  110.8 points.  —  Did you guess this one?  Me neither.  I'd never heard of this series.  (The late 1990s were a low point for my following of baseball).