MLB's explanation for leaving roof closed at ALCS is hot air on a beautiful fall day

Major League Baseball spokewoman Phyllis Merhige was given the impossible task of explaining why the decision was made to play baseball indoors on a perfect day, and while she did her best, there simply was no making sense of it.

ALCS 2016: Josh Donaldson keeps Jays' season alive with bat, glove, very existence

The MVP third baseman jump-starts his team early in Game 4 and maintains that spark for nine innings. His team stays alive for another game.

Unlike Curt Schilling, Trevor Bauer isn't a jobless has-been with ketchup on his sock

Curt Schilling keeps tweeting out that "bloody sock" photo because he lives in a world of conspiracy theories and cover-ups.

MLB playoffs 2016: Corey Kluber is more than the right guy at the right time for Indians

For the Cleveland Indians, Corey Kluber is more than their ace. He's an embodiment of confidence that the team is turning to in Game 4.

MLB playoffs 2016: Indians in great hands with bullpen arms after Trevor Bauer's pinky problem

More than any in-game tactical moves, a manager’s job is about handling the clubhouse and being prepared for all situations. Terry Francona showcased that preparedness on Monday.

MLB playoffs 2016: Trevor Bauer forced out of Game 3 of ALCS in first inning with blood from drone cut

Bauer's bid to become the most famous pitcher in the ALCS with a wound since Curt Schilling did not last long.

Ryan Merritt flies into Cleveland rotation for Game 4 thanks to Trevor Bauer's drone injury

The Indians rookie is getting his first taste of October baseball following Bauer's bizarre drone injury.

MLB playoffs 2016: John Gibbons is anti-robot umps; says Jose Bautista is motivated by controversy

The Blue Jays skipper thinks the human element is inherent to baseball, and that his star right fielder is motivated by the balls-and-strikes controversy.

Jose Bautista complains about 'circumstances' conspiring against Blue Jays. No way, Jose!

The leaves are turning, cool winds are staring to blow and there’s something in the air that just lets you know it’s a special time of year. That’s right, it’s conspiracy season.

Andrew Miller, rest of Indians pitchers destroying Blue Jays in ALCS

Cleveland has allowed one run in two games to one of the best-hitting teams in baseball. The result: a 2-0 series lead.

Devon Travis' knee injury leaves Blue Jays without .300 hitter for ALCS vs. Indians

Justin Smoak joins the roster because of the injury.

Indians' Francisco Lindor is now an inescapably big deal and new ALCS hero

The Cleveland shortstop is a superstar in the making. A strong showing in his first October is accelerating the process.

MLB playoffs 2016: Could too much Miller give Cleveland a hangover?

Andrew Miller worked a lot in his two ALDS appearances against the Red Sox. A repeat in the ALCS against the Blue Jays could lead to an advantage for Toronto.

MLB playoffs 2016: Nationals exit with bitter taste after 'craziest' loss to Dodgers

Washington is eliminated in a classic Game 5 that turned on a bad coaching decision but wasn't decided until after the best pitcher in baseball came on as a closer.

Dodgers bring in Clayton Kershaw to kill ninth-inning closer role

Clayton Kershaw was on the mound for the final out of the Dodgers-Nats NLDS . . . as a closer. It was a symbol of October baseball at its finest, and a possible glimpse into the sport's future.

MLB playoffs 2016: Washington subway infuriates Nationals fans with early service cutoff

The Metro doesn't run 24 hours day like Chicago's trains do.

MLB playoffs 2016: Dusty Baker urges fans to deny their nature, think positively

The Nationals manager wants to push out any bad mojo heading into Game 5 of his team's NLDS against the Dodgers in D.C.

MLB playoffs 2016: Cubs advance to NLCS, where chance often trumps talent

Playoff series are essentially coin flips, as the Cubs well know. They're about to test their luck again in the NLCS.

MLB playoffs 2016: Indians' bullish bullpen strategy pays off, but barely

Terry Francona pulled his pants down on Monday night, dared the baseball gods, and got away with it.

MLB playoffs 2016: Magic runs out for Red Sox, but never for David Ortiz and Boston fans

The bond between David Ortiz and the Red Sox fanbase was a connection between a player and a city on a rare level beyond the field.

MLB playoffs 2016: David Ortiz's career ends with Red Sox's loss in ALDS

The end of his career might be a stepping stone to Cleveland breaking its run of 68 years without winning the World Series.

MLB playoffs 2016: David Ortiz's signature burrito is a hit

Another honor for Big Papi.

MLB playoffs 2016: Blue Jays slide into ALCS by finally obeying Utley Rule

That it all went down the way it did only suggests that the baseball gods have a sense of humor.

Red Sox's reasons to believe include rejuvenated Clay and an extra day

Game 3 of the ADLS was postponed until Monday due to rain. The Red Sox are confident they can bounce back from 0-2 deficit.

MLB playoffs 2016: Will rainy weather postpone Red Sox-Indians ALDS Game 3?

Good news for Red Sox fans, Sunday might not be the last day of Boston’s season.

MLB playoffs 2016: Can you stand the rain? Dodgers, Nationals share worst weather memories

Joc Pederson, Josh Reddick, Ben Revere and more share their stories.

With support for bat flips, Rob Manfred dunks on the boring NFL

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred thinks bat flips are good for the game. Wait, what?

MLB playoffs 2016: Dusty Baker's explanation for sticking with Danny Espinosa is sad (and wrong)

"Who else do I have?" the Nationals manager wonders, apparently unaware of the several options on his bench.

MLB playoffs 2016: Hurricane Matthew drenches D.C.; Dodgers-Nationals Game 2 postponed

The rain was light, with occasional heavier bursts, and the tarp was on the field at Nationals Park throughout Saturday afternoon.

MLB playoffs 2016: Dave Roberts, like Terry Francona, has no use for bullpen orthodoxy in October

The Dodgers got five outs from closer Kenley Jansen in Game 1 vs. the Nationals. LA didn't fool around with lesser relievers in the late innnigs, which is how it used to be (and should be again).

MLB playoffs 2016: Clayton Kershaw gets a win, which should quiet some of his dumbest critics

The three-time Cy Young Award winner still has a losing record in the postseason, which is all that a lot of fans and media care about. That's a shallow and wrongheaded way to look at things.

MLB playoffs 2016: Corey Seager breaks 75-year-old Dodgers home run record

Seager is the youngest Dodger to go deep in the postseason after connecting against the Nationals' Max Scherzer.

Dodgers' Rich Hill peed on his hands, but wouldn't try a blister cure from Vin Scully's wife

"I mean, you know, you pee on it," Hill said. Uh, sure thing, Rich.

Conor Gillaspie becomes Giants' newest even-year magician

It's 2016, so things like a three-run, ninth-inning homer by a backup infielder are expected. Of course, that's exactly what happened in New York.

MLB playoffs 2016: Madison Bumgarner, maybe best ever in October, at his best vs. Mets

The numbers say the Giants ace outdid himself with his complete-game four-hit shutout in New York. That's saying a lot, because Mad Bum has been money for many an autumn.

Rob Manfred still tone-deaf as he tries to defend minor leaguers' low pay

The commissioner should realize that comparing professional athletes to seasonal apprentices is a PR loser.

MLB playoffs 2016 picks: Who's going home early? Who can win the World Series?

Cubs? Red Sox? Dodgers? We look at every team in this year's MLB postseason.

NL wild-card game 2016: History doesn't favor epic Bumgarner-Syndergaard duel

More often than not, one of the starters in a win-or-go-home game fails to live up to the hype. The Giants' and Mets' aces will put that history to the test Wednesday night,

Buck Showalter's pants catch fire as he explains not using Zach Britton

In the spirit of the (election) season, we examine whether Orioles manager Buck Showalter's reasoning for not going to his lights-out closer in a must-win game holds up.

nl wild card game 2016

Madison Bumgarner just gave away the recipe that has led the Giants to three World Series victories this decade

DJ LeMahieu won the NL batting title fair and square, so deal with it

DJ LeMahieu and the Rockies have nothing to apologize for.

Play by play: Relive Vin Scully's final broadcast as the voice of the Dodgers

After 67 fantastic years at the microphone, Vin Scully’s legendary career ended Sunday.

David Ortiz's Bronx farewell turns awkward with big cheers for Big Papi

Interesting way to end a lengthy hate affair: There wasn't much booing of Big Papi in his Yankee Stadium finale.

Curt Schilling wants to be president, and thanks to Donald Trump, we can't just laugh

The idea of Curt Schilling for president should be a joke.

Even David Ortiz can't come through in the clutch all the time

“Clinching (the East) here in New York means the same thing as if we would clinch in Tampa or Baltimore,” Ortiz said before Tuesday's game, which he ended with a strikeout.

The Twins didn't make as big a mistake as you think by releasing David Ortiz

The Twins famously cut loose David Ortiz before he became a star. But it wasn't the colossal error people think it was.

Jose Fernandez brought much-needed joy to baseball

Baseball will miss Jose Fernandez, a face of his generation. Fernandez, 24, dies in a boating accident.

Dear Steve Clevenger, please be better than that

"I won't pretend to know you, but I need to tell you, from one privileged urban white kid to another, be better."

Yes, Gary Sanchez has played enough to be American League Rookie of the Year

Even though he's only been in the majors since August, Yankees C Gary Sanchez deserves the award.

Five mistakes by Terry Collins that cost Mets key game in National League wild-card race

New York's skipper is a master motivator but a lousy in-game tactician. He proved that again at the worst possible time.

Ron Darling says famous Game 6 wasn't even the best Game 6 in 1986

Ron Darling offers his take on the Mets' best Game 6 of 1986.

Tim Tebow swings a baseball bat like Jason Giambi, according to Gary Sheffield

Tebow has "the sound," according to a slugger who knows that sound well.

Gary Sheffield, Cal Ripken Jr. praise Adam Jones for speaking out on race issues

Sheffield was at the front of baseball's race issues a decade ago, while Ripken is the face of the Orioles organization.

No, Joe Girardi should not be fired because of four-game sweep to Red Sox

Joe Girardi had a bad weekend, but so did everybody in a Yankees uniform

Like it or not, Tim Tebow is a baseball player now

Tim Tebow, aspiring NFL quarterback, is no more.

Bartolo Colon takes another step toward Gold Glove, Mets take another step toward playoffs

The 43-year-old right-hander continues to amaze, not only with his bionic arm but with his glove. The Amazin's are sure happy he can still field his position.

Cubs win first division title since 2008, now time to think about 1908

Chicago becomes champion of the Central on Sept. 15. That's impressive. The trick now is to be playing on Oct. 15 and beyond.

America deserves to hear Vin Scully's last game, and MLB Network should make it happen

The easiest programming decision that MLB Network will ever have is Oct. 2, the final day of the season.

Please, everyone, stop griping about expanded September MLB rosters

Stop worrying about expanded rosters ruining baseball and enjoy the young talent.

Adam Jones is right, but baseball's racial makeup shouldn't stop national anthem protests

Orioles center fielder Adam Jones had some interesting things to say about NFL players who are protesting the national anthem.

Perfect game or not, Dave Roberts must think about the Dodgers' big picture

The Dodgers skipper pulled starter Rich Hill after 89 pitches in the middle of a perfect game. But Champagne has a way of easing hurt feelings, and that is what the first-year skipper has to bank on.

Gary Sanchez blasts monster homer, but steals show for Yankees with his arm

The rookie pulled off a rarely seen pickoff play from behind the plate.

It's time for American sports to ditch the national anthem

"The Star-Spangled Banner" has become a political pawn; plus, if you read past the first verse, you'll probably be of a mind to drop it altogether.

Blame MLB's faulty replay rules for not saving the Astros and umpire Jim Joyce

A missed call in Thursday's Cleveland-Houston game may have affected the outcome.

What does Tim Tebow signing mean for the Mets? Absolutely nothing

Signing Tim Tebow is a good move for the Mets that doesn't have anything to do with 2016.

The Yankees are really in the race now; sorry for doubting you, Joe Girardi

Joe Girardi was saying in July and August his .500-ish club was still in the race. Most observers thought the Bombers were finished. Now look where they are.

Here’s why it would be a bad idea for MLB to retire Roberto Clemente’s No. 21

There are better ways of honoring baseball's first Latino superstar.

All is not lost for Giants even with all the Giants' losses

The Giants have really stunk since the All-Star break. But they haven't stopped their playoff pursuit.

By ripping Donald Trump, David Ortiz opens door for Latino athletes to be more vocal

David Ortiz says Trump's words are a "slap in the face" to Latinos.

Noah Syndergaard can't catch a break, and neither can the Mets

It’s all there in the numbers, but it goes so far beyond the numbers.

Why Kris Bryant will be the new Derek Jeter

Kris Bryant is already one of baseball's best players. He will soon be its best-known player.

September MLB story lines: It's winning time for teams and players

With so many clubs in the playoff hunt and so many players in contention for awards, the final month of the regular season will be plenty exciting.

Don't look now, but Mets are getting hot just in time for September playoff run

The Mets are winners of four of five, and their makeshift group of starting pitchers are, surprisingly, getting the job done.

Tim Tebow is worth signing, even if he never sniffs the major leagues

Tim Tebow brings things to the table other than his baseball ability.

Here's what Major League Baseball can learn from soccer

Major League Baseball should adopt a transfer system similar to European soccer.

Dominating Rangers stake their claim as World Series favorite

Rangers are best against baseball's best, so is Texas the World Series favorite?

Cracking down on shifts would address a problem in MLB that doesn't exist

The idea that baseball wants to move forward with certain rule changes is great. Moving forward with banning defensive shifts isn't.

SummerSlam and grand slams: How baseball is more like wrestling than you realize

Though the worlds of MLB and WWE may not intersect all that often, there is a heavy overlap between baseball fans and wrestling fans, enough to make you wonder a bit about why that is.

Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez and other fresh faces bring fresh outlook to Yankees

Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez are two of the biggest parts of the Bombers' on-the-fly retooling. They've helped bring energy to a team that was in desperate need of a spark.

Blue Jays flying high again on the wings of dynamic lineup

Toronto's 2016 lineup isn't as strong as last year's collection of sluggers, but it still can hurt teams. The Yankees were reminded of that Tuesday night.

NL Cy Young: If not Clayton Kershaw, who? Choices abound as race heats up

A front-runner for Cy Young has yet to emerge, and contenders have eight or nine starts left.

A-Rod would be excellent fit for Marlins, if he wants to play

As the Marlins compete for a playoff spot, Alex Rodriguez could be of some help.

A-Rod's final week with Yankees creates complicated relationship with Joe Girardi

Nothing has been clear and straightforward with Alex Rodriguez for a decade and a half, so there was no reason for any kind of clarity on his last night as a Yankee.

Thunderstorm interrupts Alex Rodriguez's farewell ceremony at Yankee Stadium

They didn’t throw a parade for Alex Rodriguez in the Bronx on Friday night, but it rained on his ceremony, that’s for sure.

Alex Rodriguez's final game will be spectacular yet awkward, just as he was

Alex Rodriguez is not owed anything by anybody other than the rest of his salary from the Yankees. How we remember him is up to us

MLB trade deadline: Winners and losers, 2011 edition

There was a lot of movement five years ago at the trade deadline, and it's time to assess who made out the best.

Mets get everything right except the result

Though they are only two games over .500, the Mets still have reason to be optimistic.

Prince Fielder leaves us searching for baseball's next great plus-sized star

Bartolo Colon, CC Sabathia and Pablo Sandoval can only carry the weight for so long.

Matching Ichiro? Only Jose Altuve has a chance, and don't count on it

It's extremely tough to reach 3,000 hits. Jose Altuve might have a prayer, and all he's got to do is notch 225 hits a season for the next eight years.

Ichiro 3,000: Global legend's accomplishments in MLB speak for themselves

It's scary to think how many hits Ichiro Suzuki would have if he'd played his entire career in the United States.

Ichiro joins 3,000-hit club with triple vs. Rockies

Marlins outfielder Ichiro Suzuki made history Sunday afternoon when he became the first Japanese player to register 3,000 hits in the major leagues.

Cleveland's slumping starters show everyone is human

Despite struggles, it's too early to think that the Indians' rotation is crumbling.

Mark Teixeira's legacy goes way beyond home run totals

Mark Teixeira has crushed a lot of baseballs in his day, but his work with the community is where the biggest impact can be felt.

Why is Bryce Harper a terrible hitter now?

A deep dive into Bryce Harper's numbers shows there is more than one reason the National star is struggling.

Mark Teixeira at center of two stupid Subway Series controversies

Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira lands on both sides of baseball's unwritten rules against the Mets. It's all very silly.

Adding Jonathan Lucroy and Jeremy Jeffress makes Rangers favorites in AL, worth the cost

The Rangers did everything they needed to do at the trade deadline, and did it without surrendering their top prospect.

Beltran brings October magic to Texas as future Hall of Famer and Rangers each look for first ring

The 39-year-old outfielder is looking to help the Rangers make a deep playoff run this season.

A's find strength in numbers by getting three strong prospects for Hill and Reddick

In one of Monday's deadline deals, both the Dodgers and the A's made out well with their trade hauls.

Jay Bruce brings much-needed production to struggling Mets lineup

The lefty slugger is hitting .265 with 25 home runs and is leading the National League with 80 RBIs.

Indians throw down gauntlet to rest of AL with aggressive trade deadline play

The Indians haven't won the World Series since 1948. They are working hard to snap that streak. Andrew Miller is the face of the team's all-in attitude.

Mark Melancon trade could be National disaster if Felipe Rivero pans out

Sending Felipe Rivero and Taylor Hearn for Mark Melancon amounts to robbing Peter to pay Paul for the Nationals.

MLB trade rumors: Yankees and Phillies must sell now as pitching value soars

If you want an idea of how much of a seller’s market has developed leading up to Monday’s trade deadline, look at the biggest deal that happened Friday. Eyes did not bug out around the baseball world.

Mets' struggles to drive in runs are RISP-y business

The Mets' inability to produce with runners in scoring position is costing them games, and that has to be getting into the hitters' heads.

MLB trade rumors: Orioles should beef up bullpen, not rotation, through trade market

The Orioles can get better by shortening the amount of innings their starting pitchers need to pitch.

MLB trade rumors: Cardinals don't need big moves to make playoffs

The Cardinals haven't dominated this year, but they're in good shape to make the postseason (again).

Baseball Hall of Fame 2016: The best players not in Cooperstown at each position

As Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Piazza get ready to enter the Baseball Hall of Fame, we take a look at some former players who should join them soon.

Giants too savvy to be fazed by slump after All-Star break

If you're looking for the Giants to panic, you're in for a long wait.

With little help available on trade market, Orioles have to start counting on own rotation

With the Orioles in an offensive funk, the team is going to have to turn to its pitching staff to right the ship and get back to its winning ways.

Buster Olney isn't the only one with ideas to improve MLB

If you’re really serious about changing and improving baseball, maybe it’s best to go away from an insider’s viewpoint.

Indians must be aggressive at trade deadline to get over the top for first title since 1948

It's time for Cleveland to make some moves if they want to be serious about an October run.

Rage against the machines: MLB stars don't want to see robot umps

Sporting News asked several All-Stars and found, overwhelmingly, that the game’s best players do not want to see robot umpires, for a variety of reasons.

Cubs ready to put slump behind them as second half begins

The Cubs were glad for the All-Star break. Even though they had seven players at the Midsummer Classic, they welcomed the chance for a break from the daily grind.

Cleveland rocks with Terry Francona, the American League's best manager

The players love him because he's a straight shooter and he shows confidence in them even when they fail — not that the Indians have failed much the past two months.

MLB All-Star Game 2016: Dull contest shows need for change to Midsummer Classic

Tuesday's snoozefest is more proof the format needs shaking up. One way to do it: make teammates like Eric Hosmer and Salvador Perez opponents for a night.

All-Star Game 2016: Wright time never arrives for Red Sox hurler

Red Sox knuckleballer Steven Wright was among a handful of players who failed to get on the field for the All-Star Game.

MLB All-Star Game 2016: Jays' Michael Saunders supports singer's 'All Lives Matter' message

The British Columbia native was OK with Remigio Pereira making a point through altering "O Canada."

MLB All-Star Game 2016: Wave of young talent in game crests for Midsummer Classic

Major League Baseball is getting younger and the talent is getting better. The All-Star Game proves just that.

Home Run Derby 2016: Stanton's 61-dinger outburst draws raves from All-Stars

Stanton now holds the record for most home runs in a single Home Run Derby.

Nationals slide into trouble with complaints about Utley Rule application

The Nationals can be as upset as they want to be, but Rule 6.01(j) is clearly written. If teams or players are not clear on that by now, it's too bad.

Losing Matt Harvey is awful, but Mets are far from doomed

Harvey's injury is terrible for the Mets, but the team can still contend.

Marlins swimming in circles, even with Giancarlo Stanton heating up

Stanton now has 200 career home runs, but his was the only offense from the Marlins on Wednesday.

Eduardo Nunez isn't the reserved type, and that helped him become an All-Star backup

Twins utility guy Eduardo Nunez is the fun player on a bad team that so many of us have fallen in love with at one time or another.

There is no Kevin Durant in baseball

In a sport where 25 men make up a roster, no one man can make that much of a difference.

What do July Fourth standings in baseball really tell us?

Ideally, teams would be in comfortable position by July Fourth. Alas, that doesn't always mean the season ends with fireworks.

MLB trade rumors: Floating around .500, Yankees and others need to be sellers

A number of teams will be tempted to make big trades before the deadline next month. They need to proceed with caution.

Cubs know they aren't invincible, and that might make them scarier than ever

The NL Central leaders respond rationally after throwing away a game to the Mets. That's a good sign for a team filled with young players who are still learning the game.

Giants' Madison Bumgarner DH stunt is good news for everyone

What's not to love when a .175 hitter gets some unnecessary at-bats?

Cole Hamels pitching his way toward dream assignment in hometown All-Star Game

The Rangers left-hander should start making travel plans for San Diego for July 11-12. He is, without question, one of the American League's best pitchers.

Carlos Beltran leaves Yankees-Rangers game with apparent injury

Beltran has been one of the Yankees' best hitters this season.

Should reeling Red Sox be in panic over recent struggles?

The Red Sox are struggling right now as they keep losing ground in the AL East.

Kyrie Irving glad he gets to chase history with three Warriors as teammates

Kyrie Irving is looking to join a club that only includes Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and LeBron James.

Team USA basketball players not worried about Zika virus at Olympics

All Team USA players, like everyone who goes to the Olympics, will be aware of Zika, but will be willing to bear the risk of the mosquito-borne illness for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Jose Reyes sounds all the right notes, but cheers for him hit wrong one

José Reyes may be sending the right message, but those that cheer him are sending the wrong one.

Baseball and Brexit: everything you need to know

The national pastime is loosely connected to the vote by UK citizens to break from the European Union.

What's better, Nolan Arenado's glove or Nolan Arenado's bat?

Nolan Arenado is a brilliant defensive third baseman who also is among the game's best hitters.

Cardinals among most notable snubs in SN50 MLB rankings

Matt Carpenter did not make SN's list of the best 50 players in baseball, and Cardinal fans are not happy about it.

Royals reminded by Mets that being on knife's edge cuts both ways

KC skipper Ned Yost relies on decent starting pitching, a tenacious offense and a lights-out bullpen to win. One of those parts failed in each of the club's losses to New York this week.

Mike Trout vs. Bryce Harper: The SN50 rivalry that defines this generation of stars

The conversation about baseball's best player figures to center around Bryce Harper and Mike Trout for years to come.

Overrated Cubs-Cardinals rivalry finally matters

For the first time in more than a century, Chicago and St. Louis are playing games that matter beyond the I-55 corridor.

Dave Winfield decries the way parents are raising single-sport child athletes

In an interview with SN, the Baseball Hall of Famer also said he sees a lot of himself in a Yankees minor leaguer.

Bartolo Colon legs out doubles, but it's his arm that's trouble for opponents

Bartolo Colon is becoming a true two-way player at age 43, but his main skill, pitching, is still the main reason the Mets value him so highly.

Rockies right to cut Jose Reyes, whose second chance will come elsewhere

It was an easier decision given Trevor Story's emergence and D.J. LeMahieu's presence.

Fans ruining MLB All-Star vote by getting American League choices right

MLB All-Star Game voting results are only fun to talk about when they're wrong.

Hever Bueno to Montana Parsons: The best name drafted by each MLB team

Most of the these guys won't make ever make the majors, but they already have won the name game.

Woman struck by tree outside Yankee Stadium, taken to hospital

A woman was struck by a falling tree outside Yankee Stadium on Sunday afternoon as fans streamed into the ballpark for Old Timer’s Day and the Yankees’ game against the Tigers.

Ex-Cubs manager Lou Piniella hails current Chicago team as best in baseball

The last man to guide the Cubs to the postseason has high praise for this year's edition.

MLB Draft grades: Yankees spoon up big success, Miami dades a graft reach

Our game name, er, name game is as useful as any real attempts to immediately assign grades to something as long-term as baseball's draft.

MLB Draft 2016: Ian Anderson a perfect fit for Braves' rebuild

Atlanta continues to stockpile young arms, with the hope that a few of them pan out. It added prep phenom Ian Anderson to the heap on Thursday.

Manny Machado was wrong to go after Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura

Orioles star Manny Machado was right to be upset after getting hit by Yordano Ventura, but he was wrong to charge the mound.

Michael Pineda finding his groove, and that could be big for Yankees

Michael Pineda has put together back-to-back good starts. That's a small, but important, development as New York tries to make a move in the AL.

Broadcast review: With low-key Rangers crew, it's sleep in the heart of Texas

This week's broadcast review takes a look at the Texas Rangers crew of Steve Busby and Tom Grieve.

Red Sox broadcast review: Dave O'Brien actually fits well next to Jerry Remy

Dave O'Brien is a solid replacement for popular Red Sox play-by-play man Don Orsillo.

Why are MLB's top stars so low on ESPN's list of world's most famous athletes?

MLB shouldn't panic about not having any players among the 50 most popular in the world.

Matt Harvey's mental toughness most important part of big bounce-back start

Matt Harvey looked like Matt Harvey on Monday, and that's because he found a way of not letting adversity get him down.

Clayton Kershaw is taking aim at Pedro Martinez's historic 2000 season

When you already are the best in the game, the next thing to reach for is being one of the best ever.

Noah Syndergaard's ejection makes mockery of unwritten rules, and that's a good thing

Noah Syndergaard's ejection for throwing behind Chase Utley sent a message that the macho frontier justice game is not going to fly.

Jackie Bradley's hit streak ends, but so do 39 others on another day in MLB

Bradley shouldn't feel too bad about his hit streak coming to an end.

Red Sox offense making plenty of history, from the ridiculous to the sublime

Jackie Bradley Jr.'s hitting streak is easy to grasp; some of the other things Boston's offense is doing are esoteric but nonetheless impressive.

Jackie Bradley Jr. extends hitting streak to 29; other Red Sox chase history, too

Boston's center fielder takes care of business Wednesday night.

Matt Harvey's silent treatment doesn't matter (if he starts winning again)

Matt Harvey's actions can still speak louder than his lack of words

MLB’s lack of minority managers is a concern, not a crisis

Baseball is down to just two minority managers, but it's not reason for major concern — yet.

Baker has Nationals rising to the top after Washington went stale under Williams

The recipe for success in D.C.: Add one highly respected manager to a talented batch of players who want to make amends for last season's flop.

Noah Syndergaard fears no batter, not even Bryce Harper

When you can deal 100 mph heat and 90 mph sliders, you tend to feel confident in your ability to get out anyone.

Broadcast review: Don't watch the Twins

We take a look at the broadcast team for the woeful Twins.

Fredi Gonzalez firing is almost three years too late for Braves

The end finally came for Fredi Gonzalez. It should hardly come as a surprise that the manager of a 9-28 team would be fired, but that also does not mean it makes complete sense.

Jose Bautista-Rougned Odor brawl: Two wrongs, one big right (not that one)

Bautista was wrong. Odor was even more wrong. Baseball's new slide rule is just right.

Chris Sale's crazy 8-0 start keeps history in sight as White Sox surge

Chris Sale’s status as a Cy Young contender was not going to change Friday whether he pitched a perfect game or gave up 20 runs. What was on the line was his continued pursuit of history.

Jose Reyes' suspension is progress, but MLB's toughness vs. domestic violence unknown

As much as we might want sweeping change in attitudes toward domestic violence, with immediate effect, we also have to recognize incremental progress for what it is.

Royals might as well not play the 130 games remaining in their season

The reigning world champs wasted Lorenzo Cain's three homers Tuesday, so they must stink again, right?

Aroldis Chapman returns to cheers, because cheers drown out conflicted feelings

We still don’t know, and probably never will know, what really happened between Chapman and his girlfriend on that night when police came to the All-Star closer’s Florida home and did not arrest him.

David Ortiz's game-changing K was embarrassing; robot umps, anyone?

Big Papi made a big scene after he thought he was wronged by a fellow human. Technology would rid baseball of most of that silliness.

David Ortiz ejected soon after questionable call by umpire

Big Papi thought he had drawn a game-tying bases-loaded walk in the ninth inning. After striking out one pitch later, Ortiz was tossed.

Jacoby Ellsbury becomes latest Yankee injury, pulled from game vs. Red Sox

Jacoby Ellsbury appeared to suffer a hip injury early in the Yankees-Red Sox game Friday night.

A-Rod's hamstring injury shows how Yankees are hamstrung by aging roster

Alex Rodriguez is not the only Bronx Bomber battling Father Time.

Lightning's Game 3 win over Islanders captures series' back-and-forth nature

The overtime affair showed how evenly matched these teams are.

Broadcast review: Dewayne Staats' low-key call works for Rays games

Out broadcast review series continues with the Rays.

If Jacoby Ellsbury is waking up, Yankees may not be far behind

The Yankees have played nine games this year in which Ellsbury has gone without a hit. In those nine games, New York has scored a total of 14 runs and gone 0-9.

Dee Gordon suspension does not mean MLB needs to re-think PED policy

There’s the only surprise left in baseball’s PED story: that positive tests represent a positive sign. That’s the way it is, though, because having a testing system that works is a far sight better than finger-pointing and rampant speculation.

Go ahead and fire Fredi Gonzalez, but don't blame him for Braves' 4-17 start

With the Braves losing 17 of their first 21 games, Fredi Gonzalez is on the hot seat, but the case to fire Atlanta's manager based on results was much stronger in previous years.

The Braves are worse hitters than Zack Greinke, Deion Sanders

How bad have the Braves been? The numbers tell a horrifying story.

Why is it so hard to find good national MLB TV analysts?

Baseball's local focus makes it hard to find good national TV voices.

Why you shouldn't buy the Nationals just yet

The Nationals lead the NL East after last year's dismal campaign, but there are troublesome signs.

Broadcast review: Diamondbacks' Berthiaume, Brenly blend brilliantly

The SN broadcast review series continues with a look at the terrific Diamondbacks crew.

John Tavares plays fitting role in Islanders' first playoff series win since 1993

It pretty much had to be John Tavares who led the Islanders to their first series win in 23 years.

Prince deserves a Minnesota pro sports team named after him, but which one?

Minnesota would get to hear "Let's Go Crazy" at the start of every game and "1999" after every win.

NHL, Bettman rightfully happy with replay, but there's still a key flaw

If the point is to get all calls correct, why should coaches have to risk a timeout?

Rangers have experience with 3-1 deficits, but is past really prologue?

Can New York dig itself out of its latest 3-1 playoff hole? The signs don't look promising.

Rob Manfred says MLB expansion coming 'in the longer term'

Jaromir Jagr's 200th playoff point shows why he's still a pain in the butt to opponents

The ageless Panthers star shows he can still be an offensive force with an assist in Florida's critical Game 4 victory over the Islanders.

Penguins fine with winning ugly, because winning is all that counts

Pittsburgh comes out on top in a defensive struggle in New York. That's a departure from recent springs.

C.J. Nitkowski's swipe at fans on phones at games can be easily ignored

The Fox analyst dissed a spectator who appeared inattentive at a game and commented on our phone culture. He had no clue about the fan's motivations,

ESPN should have fired Curt Schilling a long time ago

It's long past time for ESPN to cut ties with Curt Schilling.

Replay reprieve helps Islanders rally past Panthers for OT win in Game 3

The point of instant replay is to get calls right, which is exactly what happened Sunday night, and Jonathan Huberdeau knew it.

Islanders hope 'Fort Neverlose' spirit follows them to Brooklyn

Since the Islanders’ return to the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2013, the Coliseum was among the league’s rowdiest arenas. Now based in Brooklyn,

Here's when the Warriors lapped your team in victories this season

The calendar provides some good perspective on the Warriors' 73 wins.

Marlins to Mets: We can match Syndergaard's thunder with Fernandez's fire

Two of baseball's best young pitchers, Jose Fernandez and Noah Syndergaard, dueled to a draw Tuesday. They showed why they're already bad news for the rest of the NL East.

Home runs are way up in baseball, and it's not just because of Trevor Story

Home runs are up — way up — all over Major League Baseball in the early going in 2016. Recent trends suggest that it's not a fluke, as teams are emphasizing power on both sides of the ball.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts makes right call to pull Ross Stripling in no-hitter

Dave Roberts, in just his fifth game as a major league manager, made a controversial decision to remove a rookie pitcher from a no-hit bid in the eighth inning, and he paid the price.

Weird double play shows exactly where Mets and Phillies are in 2016

The Mets have dreams of winning another NL title. The Phillies have dreams of winning a game. David Wright was in the middle of a play Friday that summed up the gulf between the two.

MLB's new slide rule brings crucial clarity to ambiguous policy

Not every rule can be cut and dry, but MLB's new slide rule is a success.