Baseball

The inconsistency of the Sox offense was one of the bigger issues for the team this season.

At times they would crush the ball all over the yard, but far more often, they would struggle to put rallies together. It didn't take an elite pitcher to put the Sox offense to sleep either; in fact they could make guys like David Huff and Sergio Mitre look like Zack Greinke.

News on Tuesday afternoon is that Major League Baseball has approved the sale of the Chicago Cubs to the Ricketts Family.

Much like the 2009 season, a process that took way too long and left a lot to be desired is now finished. The Cubs have a new owner, with a new vision (assuming the Tribune Company ever had a vision), and a new set of expectations for the 101-year loser.

I'm a shade unclear as to the specific voting rules for Major League Baseball's regular season awards. Common sense would dictate the writers who select the winners have to wait until the last of the 162 games (including any one-game playoffs that might be necessary) so that they have a complete data set.

If that's the case, the official tallies should begin rolling in once the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers finish up their hostilities on Tuesday.

The Minnesota Twins are on the threshold of an unexpected berth in the postseason, and it may have more to do with someone other than the guy you'll be thinking about for MVP.

Yes, yes.  Joe Mauer has been spectacular this year, putting up huge numbers while playing the most physically demanding position in the game, and missing the first month of the season.  A .364 batting average, 28 dingers and 96 RBI are stellar, but there may be someone more deserving in that lineup.

Hello, fellow Bleacher Creatures.  I wanted to let you know that early this afternoon I was able to track down John Frascella, author of Theology: How A Boy Wonder Led the Red Sox to the Promised Land (which can be purchased on Amazon.com and Borders.com), to discuss the upcoming Major League Playoffs.

The search among colleges for athletes has grown more complicated and increasingly competitive, especially during the past 10 years. There are countless components that require attention in developing and executing a successful plan of action, along with several key "players" who make up the team that run the offense.

Parents can play a significant role in the recruiting process and, in my opinion, they should make an active commitment to enthusiastically assist their children from start to finish in what will be a very important life decision.

Chris Coghlan the rookie who came out of nowhere is without a doubt the most deserving player for rookie of the year. Since he plays for a low budget team like the marlins he doesn't get that much national exposure so it is unfair he isn't recognized by many writers.

Chris Coghlan has had one of the most historic rookie seasons in Major league History. Breaking many franchise records and historic ones as well.

With the smell of jet fuel still lingering from their trip back from Chicago, Arizona Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch had already set in motion his plans for next season.

Shortly after returning on Sunday night, Hinch met with third base coach Chip Hale and first base coach Lorenzo Bundy. Each coach was told he would not be returning for the 2010 season. And so began the rebuilding project that will ultimately become the Arizona Diamondbacks.