Game 6: Twice Down to Last Strike, Cards Win 10-9  —  David Freese homered in the 11th inning to give the Cardinals a 10-9 victory over Texas in Game 6 of the World Series, capping one of the wildest, most exciting finishes in baseball history.  —  As Freese's shot cleared the center field fence …

Nick Swisher likely to return to Yankees next season, meaning Bombers won't pursue Carlos Beltran  —  Nick Swisher seems set for a return to the Bronx next year after a baseball executive familiar with the Yankees' thinking said Thursday the team would “probably pick up” Swisher's contract option.

La Russa expected back in 2012  —  Barring an eleventh-hour change of heart, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa is expected to announce his decision to return to the club for a 17th season within several days of the World Series' final out.  The composition of his coaching staff may be slightly less certain.

Lovullo, McEwing not high on Sox's list  —  As the Boston Red Sox's manager search begins in earnest, we do not yet have a clear picture of who is on the team's short list to take Terry Francona's place.  We are starting to learn, however, which candidates are unlikely to be among the finalists.

Dodgers: Bryan Stow shares blame  —  The attorney for embattled Dodgers owner Frank McCourt filed a civil complaint against the two men charged in the Opening Day beating of San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow in Los Angeles Superior Court last week, arguing that they should be held liable for the attack …

NY Mets won't re-sign Jose Reyes during exclusive negotiating period after World Series: source  —  Has Jose Reyes played his final home game at Citi Field?  Everyone will know this winter.  —  Check in with Jose Reyes, perhaps make a modest offer, then step back while he collects proposals …

Reggie Jackson says Billy Martin was a bigot  —  NEW YORK - To Reggie Jackson, this is fact - not opinion - that Billy Martin engaged in bigoted and anti-Semitic behavior during his tumultuous tenure as Yankees manager.  —  “I didn't say it as accusatory ... I said it with feeling and empathy …

Rangers will have to dial up their resiliency once more  —  ST. LOUIS — One strike away.  —  And fate denied the Texas Rangers not once, but twice.  —  After 40 seasons, did you expect it to go any other way?  —  David Freese's leadoff home run in the bottom of the 11th inning gave …

Draft/Int'l Spending Cap Discussed In CBA Talks  —  A hard slotting system for the amateur draft is no longer the main issue holding up a new collective bargaining agreement, a source tells Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus (Twitter link).  Still being discussed, however …

Byrnes back in his coveted role as GM  —  SAN DIEGO — At no point during Josh Byrnes' indoctrination to baseball operations did he ever question what he was doing; not when faced with the long hours of an intern, not when buried beneath the heap of responsibility, not when the pittance of a paycheck …