Baseball

I called my buddy, let's call him Michael, after Game 2 of the World Series. I figured he would be in a bar in San Francisco watching the Giants game. 

Upon calling, a random stranger picked up the phone. I heard screaming, I heard joy, and far in the distance, I heard Michael screaming "Ya! Go Giants!"

That epitomized what the first two games in San Francisco have been for Giants fans: a big party.

The 2010 World Series could not have started worse for the Texas Rangers, who return to Arlington, Texas down 2-0 to the San Francisco Giants.

Returning home for three straight games is the best news for the Rangers right now, and to be fair, the Giants have only won two home games, which is what you're supposed to do.

Cliff Lee will pitch again, and the offense is almost certain to wake up.

The boost the Rangers need may come from their fans, who will no doubt be very wild for Game 3, which will be the first home World Series game in the history of the Texas Rangers.

It’s official.

Joe Girardi will remain the New York Yankees' skipper for three more seasons.

Many Yankees fans have been quick to blame Girardi for the team’s failure to repeat as World Series Champions. Fans were frustrated all season with Girardi, blaming any loss on unnecessary pitching changes or playing it by the book/binder.

To no surprise, Sandy Alderson has officially been named the new general manager for the New York Mets. Throughout the whole search, Alderson seemed to be the front runner for the job. The Mets and Alderson have agreed to a four year deal, with a club option for 2015. 

Alderson is now at the helm of running the team, and Mets fans are very excited to begin this new era. Alderson has loads of baseball knowledge and is a poised man who will do whatever he can to follow and execute his plan.

Now that the Mets have officially introduced Sandy Alderson as their new general manager, the rebuilding of the team can begin. Alderson signed a four-year contract with a club option for 2015 to replace Omar Minaya, who was dismissed following the end of the regular season.

Major League Baseball wants its playoff cake.

And to eat it, too.

Commissioner Bud Selig, The Man Who Destroyed Division Races As We Used to Know Them, is at it again. Selig wants more playoff teams, and he wants them now—as early as next season.

The players union has indicated that more postseason teams in 2012 might be amenable.

In a town that knows how to party, San Francisco Giants fans are throwing an after—party by the bay, thrilled by the Giants' captivating postseason play. In every sense, the city has been a lively, festive place as Halloween looms closer and die-hard fans don costumes or row into McCovey Cove, a waterway behind the ballpark's right field bleachers.

Lately, every night has felt like a party in the Bay Area, and it has been fun to watch the World Series generate both action—packed drama and a beautiful tale.

Dear Jayson and Ruben,

As you well know, the past few years have been a very special time for the Philadelphia Phillies and their loyal fanbase.  

With the New York Yankees and manager Joe Girardi having ironed out a new three-year deal, general manager Brian Cashman can focus on finding a pitching coach. After firing Dave Eiland, the Yankees priority will be to find his replacement.

It appears Cashman and Girardi will have options as they begin their search. A handful of names have been mentioned as possibilities, some with ties to Girardi and others with plenty of experience.

Three in-house options will likely be considered.

The 2010 World Series is not over yet, but that doesn't mean it's too early to talk about players who could be changing teams this offseason.

Notable playoff players such as Texas Rangers pitcher Cliff Lee, Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth and Tampa Bay's Carl Crawford all could start with different teams next April on opening day 2011.

Free agency and trades make the hot stove season very exciting, and this winter is sure to see major players switch cities.

Next, we will look at 10 significant players who are free agents or may likely be traded this winter.