David Freese, St. Louis force Game 7  —  Twice down to their last strike, Cards rally in ninth and 10th innings, win it in 11th  —  ST. LOUIS — It ended with a baseball soaring through the October sky.  —  Soaring toward a patch of resplendent green grass, located just beyond 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.

Reports: Jerry DiPoto to be Angels GM  —  Arizona Diamondbacks executive Jerry DiPoto will be the next general manager of the Los Angeles Angels, according to multiple media reports.  —  DiPoto has been senior vice president of scouting and player development for Arizona.

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 …

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.

John Farrell endorses Torey Lovullo for Red Sox' managerial opening  —  For several reasons, including the significant compensation that would be required to pry him from his contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, John Farrell almost certainly won't be the Red Sox' next manager.

Carpenter to start Game 7  —  The Cardinals have decided on Chris Carpenter to start tonight's Game 7.  —  In two starts, including a win in Game 1, Carpenter allowed four earned runs total in 13 combined innings against the Rangers.  In Game 5 on Monday at Texas, Carpenter pitched seven solid innings …

Tigers Exercise Jose Valverde's Option  —  The Tigers announced today that they have exercised closer Jose Valverde's $9MM option for 2012.  —  Valverde, 33, enjoyed arguably his finest (fantasy) year in the big leagues in 2011, converting each of his 49 save opportunities in the regular season.

Sources: Falsone to make history with Dodgers  —  The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to announce early next week the hiring of Sue Falsone as their new head physical therapist/athletic trainer, sources told ESPN.com.  —  Falsone will become the first woman to serve as head athletic trainer …

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 …

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 …