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Phillies‘ championship is vindicating for some
Nobody else did, but the Phillies had faith in themselves. That, Mark Kriegel says, makes for a sweeter World Series celebration.

Rangers get 7 in 2nd off Lackey, beat Angels 12-1

Hank Blalock homered in his fifth straight game to trigger a seven-run second inning against John Lackey and the Texas Rangers routed the AL West champion Los Angeles Angels 12-1 on Friday night.

Wren readies for GM Meetings

For more than a month, Braves general manager Frank Wren has been planning his attack.

Lidge Nails It Down As Phillies Win World Series

Mr. Perfect got the biggest save of his career. Just like he did all season, Brad Lidge nailed down Philadelphia’s 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in Wednesday night’s completion of a suspended Game 5, …

Phillies win World Series title with 4-3 victory over Rays

It was a strange tale, this latest Philadelphia story, but all that matters really is it ends in a title.

Brewers to name Macha manager

Six years after Brewers general manager Doug Melvin first asked Ken Macha to be the team’s field manager, Macha is poised to accept.

MLB Video Central
After 28 long years, the Phillies are back on top of baseball. And FOX had it covered from angle for your viewing pleasure.

Giants expect offers for Cain
Giants expect offers for Cain The discussion of whether the Giants should trade Matt Cain is a lively one, conducted on radio talk shows, Internet fan sites and by reporters.

Grudzielanek joins free-agent ranks
Grudzielanek joins free-agent ranks Second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, the only Royals player eligible was among 65 players who filed for free agency on Thursday, the first day that players could file.

Phils beat Rays in Game 5 for World Series title

Hamels wins World Series MVP
October turned into salad days for the Phillies, thanks to the mound mastery of World Series MVP Cole Hamels.

PHOTOS: Phils, Rays resume Game 5
Philadelphia can finally exhale after the Phillies ended a long drought without a championship. See all the best shots.

Bettors mad after books declare Philly Game 5 win
Some sports books in Nevada have declared the Philadelphia Phillies the winner of Game 5 of the World Series even though the game was suspended with the score 2-2 in the middle of the sixth inning. A top gambling regulator says a handful of Tampa Bay Rays bettors have complained. Nevada Gaming Commission enforcement chief Jerry Markling told The Associated Press on Wednesday that different sports books have different rules about baseball betting.

Mets‘ Burgos released from Dominican Republic jail
New York Mets pitcher Ambiorix Burgos was released from jail Wednesday following a car crash that killed two women. A judge ordered him to pay $57,000 and appear every two weeks before a magistrate until a court date is set. The 24-year-old reliever is prohibited from leaving the country without permission from an appeals court. Burgos is accused of abandoning the victims and fleeing after the Sept. 30 car crash, charges that can carry six months to two years in prison.

White Sox Decline 2009 Option For Griffe

Ken Griffey Jr. will not be a member of the Chicago White Sox in 2009. The club declined the option on his contract for 2009 on Thursday, making the 38-year-old a free agent.

Phillies‘ championship is vindicating for some
Nobody else did, but the Phillies had faith in themselves. That, Mark Kriegel says, makes for a sweeter World Series celebration.

Cooper: Pitching staff won’t change

One of the most historic Presidential elections in this country’s history will be decided on Tuesday, Nov.

Rays find comfort at Del. hotel

Craving a bite to eat, Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Grant Balfour walked out of Wilmington’s Hotel du Pont on Tuesday and wandered up to the Washington Street Ale House.

Mets‘ Burgos released from Dominican Republic jail
New York Mets pitcher Ambiorix Burgos was released from jail Wednesday following a car crash that killed two women. A judge ordered him to pay $57,000 and appear every two weeks before a magistrate until a court date is set. The 24-year-old reliever is prohibited from leaving the country without permission from an appeals court. Burgos is accused of abandoning the victims and fleeing after the Sept. 30 car crash, charges that can carry six months to two years in prison.

PHOTOS: Phils, Rays resume Game 5
Philadelphia can finally exhale after the Phillies ended a long drought without a championship. See all the best shots.

Youkilis Wins 2008 Sharp presents Hank Aaron Award

Former University of Cincinnati baseball player Kevin Youkilis was selected as a winner of the 2008 Sharp presents Hank Aaron Award, Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig announced on Monday, Oct.

Hamels wins World Series MVP
October turned into salad days for the Phillies, thanks to the mound mastery of World Series MVP Cole Hamels.

Rangers get 7 in 2nd off Lackey, beat Angels 12-1

Hank Blalock homered in his fifth straight game to trigger a seven-run second inning against John Lackey and the Texas Rangers routed the AL West champion Los Angeles Angels 12-1 on Friday night.

Breakout in the bigs for Lind

Watching Game 2 of the World Series last week at home in Anderson, Adam Lind found himself sympathizing with the Philadelphia Phillies hitters.

Phillies‘ championship is vindicating for some
Nobody else did, but the Phillies had faith in themselves. That, Mark Kriegel says, makes for a sweeter World Series celebration.

Bettors mad after books declare Philly Game 5 win
Some sports books in Nevada have declared the Philadelphia Phillies the winner of Game 5 of the World Series even though the game was suspended with the score 2-2 in the middle of the sixth inning. A top gambling regulator says a handful of Tampa Bay Rays bettors have complained. Nevada Gaming Commission enforcement chief Jerry Markling told The Associated Press on Wednesday that different sports books have different rules about baseball betting.

Rule change ensures Series continues
Rule change ensures Series continues The Rays were not, technically, down to their last out in the top of the sixth inning on Monday night.

GM Melvin probably will stop at three interviews

Chase Utley watches his two-run home run in the first inning. Poll Brewers Blog Tom Haudricourt , Anthony Witrado and Emmett Prosser bring fans the latest news, inside dope and links from around the Web.

Manuel reveals Phils’ sixth-inning plans
Manuel reveals Phils’ sixth-inning plans When Game 5 of the World Series resumes, possibly Wednesday night, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel will send a pinch-hitter to the plate against Rays righty Grant Balfour. Given a day to ponder the possibilities, Manuel said he’ll replace starter Cole Hamels to open the home half of the sixth.

Weather leaves Series fit to be tied
Weather leaves Series fit to be tied When Game 5 of the World Series began on Monday night, MLB was confident that the weather would hold off, but Mother Nature was not in a cooperative mood.

Hamels still has chance to make history
Hamels still has chance to make history Cole Hamels said it wasn’t the perfect last outing that he could have envisioned for himself, but with a little help, he still could become the first pitcher in Major League Baseball history to win five postseason starts.

Best ‘pen will write ending to Game 5
Best ‘pen will write ending to Game 5 Game 5 of the World Series was suspended by rain and has been postponed again by rain. We’re in territory here that is both uncharted and extremely wet. But when Game 5 is resumed — and it eventually will be resumed — it will come down to something as basic as a battle of the bullpens.

FAQs on the suspended Game 5
FAQs on the suspended Game 5 With the World Series between the Rays and Phillies on hold and Game 5 in the balance, here’s the answer to some Frequently Asked Questions about the current situation.

Rays find shelter in nearby Delaware
Rays find shelter in nearby Delaware The Rays expected that they wouldn’t have any use for their Philadelphia hotel rooms beyond Monday, so they checked out. But when Game 5 was suspended, their hotel was booked, and they ended up 40 minutes away, in Wilmington, Del.

Both teams unaccustomed to cold
Both teams unaccustomed to cold If Game 5 resumes on Wednesday night, the Rays and Phillies likely will be playing in their coldest conditions of the season.

Oates steps in to sing anthem for Hall
Oates steps in to sing anthem for Hall Daryl Hall was scheduled to perform the national anthem prior to Game 5 of the World Series Monday night, but after he came down with the flu, he turned to his longtime friend and bandmate John Oates for a pinch-hit appearance, so to speak.

Pitchers find biggest foe is the elements
Pitchers battle elements besides opponent Cole Hamels and Scott Kazmir, the starting pitchers in Game 5, both battled the elements on Monday night but both said it was the same for each team.

Rockies RHP Vizcaino arrested for DUI (AP)
Colorado Rockies pitcher Luis Vizcaino was arrested Monday after police said he was driving under the influence. The 34-year-old reliever was bailed out of jail later in the day. Officers said he was going 71 mph in a 45 mph zone early Monday. Police said Vizcaino’s eyes were glassy and bloodshot and he smelled of alcohol, with a blood-alcohol level just over the legal limit.

Vizcaino arrested in Tampa for DUI
Colorado Rockies pitcher Luis Vizcaino was arrested Monday and police said he was driving under the influence. Officers said he was going 71 mph in a 45 mph zone early Monday morning. Police said Vizcaino’s eyes were glassy and bloodshot and he smelled of alcohol, with a blood alcohol level just over the legal limit. The 34-year-old reliever, who lives in Florida, was bailed out of jail just before noon on Monday.

Nature calls: Heavy rain threatens World Series

Wild memories for Carter

23, 1993, against the Philadelphia Phillies. While the shot that gave the Toronto Blue Jays their last World Series remains one of baseball’s cherished memories, many are of the opinion that the defining moment …

Phils edge Rays in wild Game 3
It was strange. Bizarre. Weird. A little freaky, too.

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Umpires acknowledge another missed call in Series
For the second time in two days, umpires acknowledged they missed a key call in the World Series. The Philadelphia Phillies scored in the first inning of Game 4 on Sunday night after Jimmy Rollins scampered safely back to third during a rundown. But television replays showed he was tagged on the backside by Tampa Bay’s Evan Longoria and should have been called out by third base ump Tim Welke. “He’s seen the replay.

Howard’s awakening has Phils on verge of title
Ryan Howard’s slump is history, which is what the Phils are closing in on after his 2 HRs led a Game 4 barrage, Mark Kriegel says.

Ready to party, Phillies fans find Game 5 a tough ticket
Philadelphia Phillies fans, young and old, arrived at Citizens Bank Park on Monday night carrying homemade signs in support …

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Winning formula

Tampa Bay Rays’ Andy Sonnanstine pitches against the Chicago White Sox in Game 4 of the American League division series on Oct.

Watch Game 5 LIVE with FOX Feeds
History could be made tonight in Game 5 (LIVE). And if it is, we’ll have it covered from every angle here at FOX Feeds.

Hamels alters Series, confounds hitters with changeup
A soft pitch has helped put the Philadelphia Phillies in position to claim their first championship since 1980, a tantalizing …

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Longoria still looking for first hit
The World Series hasn’t been kind to Tampa Bay rookie Evan Longoria, and unless the Rays can find a way to overcome the Philadelphia …

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Phillies rock Rays with homers to take 3-1 World Series lead
Blanton became the first pitcher in 34 years to homer in the World Series, Howard drove in five runs with two homers and the …

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TV signals limited viewing of 1948 World Series
The 1948 World Series matchup between the Boston Braves and Cleveland Indians provided the incentive for a bold experiment and …

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Shea on baseball: Baseball’s free-agent market hard to gauge

So Selig isn’t about to publicly counsel owners not to “get too cocky” about free-agent spending, even with Wall Street tumbling.

Phillies fans wet but happy
It 10:05 p.m. when Phillies starter Jamie Moyer began taking his warmup tosses for Game 3 of the World Series.

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Missed call favors Phillies in Game 4
Missed call favors Phillies in Game 4 The Phillies‘ Jimmy Rollins was ruled safe diving back into third base during the first inning of Game 4, a fielder’s choice that replays showed was an incorrect call.

Thome visits Phillies before Game 4
Thome visits Phillies before Game 4 Jim Thome was all smiles as he emerged from the Phillies clubhouse during batting practice on Sunday afternoon, looking very much at home as he made his rounds with hugs and handshakes for dozens he knew during his years with his former organization.

Ruiz emerges as Phils’ hero in Game 3 win
Carlos Ruiz is known for his defense, but his game-winning hit in Game 3 helped Philly avoid a late-inning meltdown, Mark Kriegel says.

St. Louis’ Pujols wins Roberto Clemente Award
Albert Pujols has an MVP award and a World Series ring.

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Watch Game 4 LIVE on FOX Feeds
The truth hurts, Rays. And if you don’t pull out the win in Game 4, you’re going to be in trouble. Watch it LIVE with FOX Feeds.

Phillies fans wet but happy
It 10:05 p.m. when Phillies starter Jamie Moyer began taking his warmup tosses for Game 3 of the World Series.

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Phils edge Rays in wild Game 3
It was strange. Bizarre. Weird. A little freaky, too.

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Analysis finds Rays with advantage heading to Philly
Who’s pitching is more important than where as the World Series resumes Saturday night in Philadelphia. With the focus squarely …

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LIVE: Rays try to even World Series in Game 4

Moyer pitched despite severe stomach virus
Jamie Moyer didn’t just help the Phillies get a Game 3 win. Ken Rosenthal says he did it despite a serious stomach virus.

Phils’ Series history points to AL East

If the Phillies are in the World Series, it must mean their opponent is from the American League East.

Red Sox-Rays Game 7 sets ratings record for baseball on cable TV

The Tampa Bay Rays’ win over the Boston Red Sox in Sunday’s seventh game of the ALCS was the most-watched baseball game in cable television history.

Homers offset Phils’ production woes
Homers offset Phils’ production woes Throughout the World Series, the Phillies have been roundly criticized for an inexplicable inability to produce clutch hits, especially with runners in scoring position. Apparently, that doesn’t matter in the least bit, judging from the 2-1 lead the Phillies took in the best-of-seven series.

Series memories of Material Girl
Series memories of Material Girl Mark Newman remembers being in Philly 15 years ago for a World Series game. And just like then, rain pushed back the fun. Well, not really. Madonna in concert kept the scribe memorable company.

Rain doesn’t dampen enthusiasm
Rain doesn’t dampen enthusiasm Fans waited out a rain delay of one hour and 31 minutes Saturday night for Game 3 of the World Series. And while it was far from ideal, the wet weather did little to dampen the enthusiasm at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

Now, the forecast calls for epic Series
Now, the forecast calls for epic Series They’ve played only three games, but this is shaping up as a World Series for the ages, after the Phillies and Rays played deep into the night in an epic Game 3.

Long night ends with Rays’ loss
Long night ends with Rays’ loss The Phillies manufactured a run in the ninth inning to take a 5-4 win over the Rays in Game 3 of the World Series on Saturday night at Citizens Bank Park.

Phillies in good position with 2-1 lead
Phillies in good position with 2-1 lead The Phillies became the eighth team since 1969 to win Game 3 at home to take a 2-1 advantage in the World Series — and six of those first seven went on to win the Series.

Blanton’s journey brings him to Series
Blanton’s journey brings him to Series It’s been seven months since Joe Blanton was the starting pitcher for the A’s against the Red Sox to open the season in Japan. And from Tokyo Dome to Citizens Bank Park and Game 4 of the World Series on Sunday night, a journey of 10,000 miles began with a single pitch.

Rays thriving with flexible group of relievers

When the phone rings in Tampa Bay’s bullpen, the call could be for anyone. That’s just fine with these ready-to-go Rays, thriving in October thanks to a flexible group of relievers.

Pujols wins Roberto Clemente Award (AP)
Albert Pujols has an MVP award and a World Series ring. What the St. Louis slugger really wants is to be remembered for his charity work. He was on Saturday when he was presented with the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to a major league player who combines community service with excellence on the field.

Canseco’s book hit a home run

With Major League Baseball at its postseason peak, it’s only fitting that Jose Canseco would pick this time to drop back into our lives.

Lidge: Phillies have best bullpen ‘top to bottom’

Philadelphia Phillies‘ Brad Lidge reacts at the conclusion of the Phillies 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the National League championship series Thursday, Oct.

World Series: Howard not concerned about power outage

Ryan Howard had a special delivery waiting for him at his locker. Boxes full of fresh bats were ripped open, the knobs poking out and ready for the Phillies slugger to grab.

New M’s GM begins search for manager (AP)
Jack Zduriencik grew up in western Pennsylvania. During summer vacations in college he would follow his father into the steel mill just across the state line in Youngstown, Ohio, as many sons in that proud, blue-collar region did four decades ago. So what would his rugged dad, who died in 1993, say if he could see his son now — as the new general manager of the Seattle Mariners?

‘Rays, Baby, Rays’ anthem rocks Trop
Kings of the Trop

Officials defend Yankee Stadium finances (AP)
New York City officials told a congressional panel Friday that they didn’t do anything improper in shepherding through $1.3 billion in financing for a new Yankee Stadium, but the assurances did little to mollify the congressman who is investigating the deal. At issue was a six-fold increase in the city’s assessed value of the land, to around $200 million.

New M’s GM begins search for manager (AP)
Jack Zduriencik grew up in western Pennsylvania. During summer vacations in college he would follow his father into the steel mill just across the state line in Youngstown, Ohio, as many sons in that proud, blue-collar region did four decades ago. So what would his rugged dad, who died in 1993, say if he could see his son now — as the new general manager of the Seattle Mariners?

Damage control: Shields jelled when stuck in a jam
The Tampa Bay Rays’ No. 1 starter in the regular season, James Shields pitched 5 2/3 innings of scoreless ball against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2 of the World Series on Thursday but needed to work out of trouble in every inning but one.

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Beyond the Tropicana fence, these rays a draw
Some of the top attractions at Tropicana Field aren’t named Longoria, Garza or Crawford. They have names such as Sandy, Stumpy, Baby and Tattoo. They’re the 22 cownose rays swimming in the 12,000-gallon tank, adjacent to the bleachers in right-center field.

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Blue Jays sign Loewen, claim Bullington on waivers
The Toronto Blue Jays acquired two of the top four picks in the 2002 draft on Friday, signing converted pitcher Adam Loewen to a minor league contract and claiming right-hander Bryan Bullington off waivers.

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Series contrasts new Rays and old-school Phils
They seem to look at each other in bemusement, not sure whether they could ever relate to the same music, let alone baseball philosophies. As their teams square off in the World Series, the management teams of the Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays reflect a generational divide between baseball’s past and its potential future.

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Small ball plays a big part in Rays’ Game 2 win over Phillies
On pace to set postseason records for home runs and stolen bases, the Rays did all the little things Thursday night as they won the first World Series game in franchise history, tying the Fall Classic at a game apiece before it moves to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Saturday night.

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Home sweet home — Factor or not?
Home sweet home — Factor or not? Momentum in a short series is critical and, indeed, clubs hosting the first two games have won 11 of the last 14 World Series. But is there really a home-field advantage, or is it a reflection other factors that come into play?

Garza unfazed by Fall Classic pressure
Garza unfazed by World Series pressure Finishing his first full season in the big leagues, Matt Garza will bring a renewed, refreshed attitude to the mound on Saturday for his start against the Phillies in Game 3 of the World Series.

World Series Game 2 tidbits
World Series Game 2 tidbits From Brett Myers’ first-inning struggles, to runners left on base, Game 2 of the World Series on Thursday night had plenty going on for both the victorious Rays and the Phillies.

Wet weather threatens Game 3
Wet weather threatens Game 3 The first scheduled World Series game in Philadelphia in 15 years is under the threat of a 90 percent chance of rain. A postponement of Game 3 would force the Rays and Phillies into an accelerated pace for the remainder of the 104th Fall Classic.

I Really Feel Sorry for the Chicago CubsNOT

I am a lifelong underdog who usually roots for society’s downtrodden. That’s especially true of those who do all they can to improve themselves.

Phillies Short Hops: Game 2
Phillies Short Hops: Game 2 Phillies pitcher Brett Myers struggled in the first inning, surrendering two runs, and the Phillies‘ bats struggled with runners in scoring position.

Rays find the right Price in the end
Rays find the right Price in the end On Thursday night, Rays lefty David Price tossed the final 2 1/3 innings of Game 2 in front of a capacity crowd at Tropicana Field to secure the franchise’s first World Series victory, a 4-2 decision against the Phillies.

Small ball pays dividends for Rays
Small ball pays dividends for Rays Jason Bartlett could practically hear the rumbling coming down the third-base line as he tried to focus — a fastball coming at him from the mound, and Cliff Floyd charging toward his left eye.

Selig pleased with Game 1 ratings
Selig pleased with Game 1 ratings Commissioner Bud Selig said on Thursday night that he was pleased with the television ratings for Game 1 of the World Series.

Mets make few coaching changes
Mets make few coaching changes The coaching staff that begins the Mets‘ 2009 season will be quite similar to the one that ended the 2008 season. As expected, Howard Johnson, Dan Warthen and Sandy Alomar, Sr. have been signed for next year.

A 180-degree turn? No, but it’ll be colder
Shift to chilly Philly could alter play The World Series is about to take a 180-degree turn — well, maybe not that much — but will get colder when the teams playing Games 3-5 in Philly, where rain is in the forecast for Saturday night.

Phillies pick up where they left off
Phillies pick up where they left off So far, the Phillies, who hadn’t played in a week, seemed to successfully battle any downtime malaise with a 3-2 win over the Rays in Game 1 of the World Series in St. Petersburg.

Bartlett’s steal of a deal for America
Bartlett steals taco for entire U.S. Rays shortstop Jason Bartlett stole second base in Game 1 of the World Series, earning a free taco for everyone in America as part of a Taco Bell promotion.

Phillies begin Series quest with victory
Phils begin Series quest with victory Enduring deafening cowbell sounds clanging off Tropicana Field’s walls, the Phillies pulled out a 3-2 win over the Rays on Wednesday night in Game 1 of the 2008 World Series.

Utley begins Series career with bang
Utley begins Series career with bang Chase Utley accomplished one feat for the first time in his career while at the same time keeping a lengthy streak intact when he homered in the first inning of Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday.

Pickoff play looms large in Game 1
Pickoff play looms large in Game 1 Carlos Pena reached first base on a Ryan Howard error to open the sixth inning. Cole Hamels, though, picked off Pena with a move that Joe Maddon thought was a balk.

Shields ready for biggest game yet
Shields ready for biggest game yet James Shields picked up the moniker “Big Game James” in the Tampa Bay farm system, long before the parent club could even dream of putting those kinds of contests on its to-do list. Now comes his biggest game yet.

Game 2 starters can change story
Game 2 starters can change story It is a fascinating situation for Game 2. The Phillies have done the essential thing, taking the World Series lead on the road. But the Rays believe that they still have the long-term Fall Classic edge due to the quality of their starting pitching.

Rays in familiar spot after narrow loss
Rays in familiar spot after narrow loss Cole Hamels gave the Phillies a quality start and received some early run support in a 3-2 victory over the Rays in Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday night at Tropicana Field.

In short order: Madson, Lidge, victory
Madson-Lidge: Two perfect innings The Phillies‘ bullpen tandem of Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge did it again on Wednesday night, throwing two scoreless innings to extend their season-long dominance.

Bartlett’s steal of a deal for America
Bartlett steals taco for entire U.S. Rays shortstop Jason Bartlett stole second base in Game 1 of the World Series, earning a free taco for everyone in America as part of a Taco Bell promotion.

Chess Match: Victorino’s dash ill-fated
Chess Match: Victorino’s dash ill-fated A busy night full of plot twists tested two managers Wednesday night. Neither Charlie Manuel nor Joe Maddon had ever managed in the World Series before Game 1 at Tropicana Field, but neither really revealed himself as callow on baseball’s biggest stage. As it turned out, one of the game’s biggest decisions was made not by either manager but by a player on the field.

Crawford ups Rays’ long-ball total
Crawford ups Rays’ long-ball total Carl Crawford homered in the fourth inning for the Rays in Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday, giving his club 23 home runs as it slugs through the franchise’s first postseason.

Ten things to love about The Trop
Ten things to love about The Trop The Rays “absolutely need a new ballpark,” Major League Baseball president Bob DuPuy said before Game 1 of the 104th World Series on Wednesday night. No question about it.

Tampa Bay: Better the (Devil) Ray you know?

Even if they fail to win a single game in the World Series, the Tampa Bay Rays of 2008 have earned their place as one of sport’s great comeback stories.

Utley HR gives Phils lead in Game 1 (AP)

Chase Utley hit a two-run homer and Cole Hamels escaped a bases-loaded jam, giving the Philadelphia Phillies a 2-0 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays after three innings in the World Series opener Wednesday night. Hamels wriggled out of bases-loaded trouble in the third when B.J. Upton grounded sharply into an inning-ending double play, his second of the game.

Phils’ Manuel folksy, but not articulate (AP)
Gawd dang, son, Charlie Manuel sure can sound like a country bumpkin sometimes. Understanding Manuel can be a tough task for anyone unfamiliar with the Philadelphia Phillies‘ manager. Born in West Virginia and raised in Virginia, Charles Fuqua Manuel Jr. has a thick Appalachian drawl and doesn’t articulate thoughts like a professor.

Black players in World Series spotlight (AP)
Look around this World Series and it’s easy to spot all the newcomers — Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Carl Crawford, B.J. Upton and David Price, eager to get a huge hit or throw a perfect pitch. To Billy Reed, they’ve already made a big difference. Reed coached Dwight Gooden, Gary Sheffield and many more future big leaguers as boys across the bay in Tampa.

Young Rays enjoy being on big stage (AP)
The manager wears thick-rimmed glasses and listens to everything from the Rolling Stones to the Four Tops. Mohawk is the haircut of the moment. Inspirational quotes decorate walls of the Tampa Bay Rays clubhouse — and we’re not talking conventional baseball wisdom. Albert Camus weighs in with a thought, although it’s not clear if the French existentialist had any advice for hitting a split-fingered…

Mariners hire Zduriencik as GM (AP)

The Seattle Mariners hired Milwaukee Brewers special assistant Jack Zduriencik as their new general manager Wednesday. The 57-year-old Zduriencik, known for his skill in drafting players, replaces Bill Bavasi, who was fired in June, and takes over for interim GM Lee Pelekoudas. Since Zduriencik arrived in Milwaukee in 1999, the team drafted Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks, J.J Hardy and 2007 NL Rookie…

Rays face Phillies in clash of the underdogs

THE Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies, two teams starved of success, cast off years of failure with their World Series showdown starting on Wednesday.

Wiggy winners for 2008 MLB regular season

Forget the MVP and Cy Young prizes. Never mind with the Oscars, Emmys and, especially, the lame-o ESPYs.

Long time Braves broadcaster Van Wieren retires

Pete Van Wieren, who was behind the microphone for Atlanta Braves broadcasts over the last 33 years, has retired.

2008 World Series Preview - Philadelphia

The Tampa Bay Rays will try to continue one of the most impressive turnarounds in sports history when they open the 104th edition of the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Twins‘ Knapp interviews with Leyland about Tigers‘ pitching coach job

Rick Knapp, the minor league pitching coordinator of the division rival Minnesota Twins, is a candidate to become the Tigers‘ pitching coach, an industry official confirmed to the Free Press.

Mailbag: Will Rockies make a splash?

I don’t know if I am the only one frustrated by this, but is anybody else upset that the Rockies don’t try to go get some quality starters and players through free agency? After the 2007 season, everybody …

2008 World Series Preview - Philadelphia

The Tampa Bay Rays will try to continue one of the most impressive turnarounds in sports history when they open the 104th edition of the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Long time Braves broadcaster Van Wieren retires

Pete Van Wieren, who was behind the microphone for Atlanta Braves broadcasts over the last 33 years, has retired.

Joba well over legal limit at DUI arrest (AP)

Yankees manager Joe Girardi and co-chairman Hal Steinbrenner lent their support Monday to pitcher Joba Chamberlain, arrested last weekend on suspicion on drunk driving. “I have spoken to Joba and he made it very clear to me that he made a mistake,” Girardi said in a statement. “We certainly don’t condone his actions, but he is part of the Yankees family and I believe he learned a valuable lesson…

Hikers keep rescuers busy

Tampa Bay Rays players celebrate after defeating the Boston Red Sox, 3-1, in Game 7 to win the American League Championship Series in St.

Lee, Lincecum win Outstanding Pitcher

The Major League Baseball Players Association opened its week of Players Choice Award announcements on Monday with the Outstanding Pitcher winners, Indians left-hander Cliff Lee in the American League and …

New a Beast of the AL Easta looks like the old one

Playing from behind is nerve-wracking enough, the thinking goes, but never moreso than in a postseason Game 7, where momentum can be harder to lock down than an affordable mortgage.

Rays face Phillies in clash of the underdogs

THE Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies, two teams starved of success, cast off years of failure with their World Series showdown starting on Wednesday.

Tigers‘ new pitching coach is a wild card

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 8:50 p.m. Jim Leyland could have taken what he termed the safe route.

Manuel’s heavy heart is a little lighter

The Phillies gave Charlie Manuel the best kind of sympathy card last night. They made the night easy on him, sent him off to Virginia with a mix of heavy heartedness and happiness.

Welcome, strangers! Rays, Phils reach World Series

When Evan Longoria homered off Cole Hamels under a sunny sky in spring training, hardly anyone could’ve imagined they’d meet up again this fall.

Cubs give Hendry 4-year extension

General manager Jim Hendry and the Chicago Cubs agreed Monday to a four-year contract extension through the 2012 season.

Agent: Peavy won’t be pitching for Mets, Yankees

The agent for Jake Peavy says the San Diego Padres ace is not likely to waive his no-trade clause to pitch for the Mets or Yankees.

Lidge’s lone gaffe costs Phils

No other reliever in baseball was as dominant this season as Brad Lidge. He converted all 41 save opportunities and did not lose a decision, going 2-0 and helping to lift the Philadelphia Phillies to their …