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NewsHal Bodley, dean of American baseball writers who joined MLB.com as senior correspondent in 2008, has covered baseball since 1958.
 | This is not the way it was supposed to begin for the New York Yankees. Propelled by a young core nicknamed the "Baby Boomers," the Yankees tore through the Grapefruit League, won 24 of 33 exhibition games and oozed with optimism as they opened their 2017 season Sunday against Tampa Bay.
More» Girardi on Tanaka's pitching struggles, loss |
 | John Hart became the general manager of an Indians team that hadn't made the postseason since 1954 and guided it to six AL Central titles and two AL pennants. He rebuilt the club through the Draft and through wise trades, and now he's using that blueprint with a Braves team that is also about to move into a new ballpark.
More»Braves executive John Hart joins High Heat |
 | For now, Andrew McCutchen is still with the Pirates.
More» Frank Robinson clubs two-run home run |
 | Ask Kevin Cash what advice he'd give someone who's about to take over a Major League team and who's never managed at any level, and there's little hesitation. "Prepare yourself for the unexpected," Cash said, followed by a chuckle.
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 | For Toronto Blue Jays fans, Joe Carter's legendary home run that won the 1993 World Series seems eons ago. The image of that historic blast resurfaced when the Blue Jays ended their 22-year postseason drought in 2015 and returned again last month. But making it to the World Series has become a huge hump in the journey they haven't been able to overcome.
More»Blue Jays use the walk-off to advance in postseason |
 | The last time the Dodgers went to the World Series was in 1988, that unexpected, improbable five-game conquest of heavily favored Oakland.
More» Roberts discusses NLDS win against Nats |
 | The Red Sox, fired up by the momentum of a late-season 11-game winning streak, will invade the Evil Empire's Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night, poised to clinch their first American League East title since 2013.
More» Pedroia ruled safe at home, call confirmed |
 | The Yankees limped out of Fenway Park late Sunday night, stunned in four games by the streaking Red Sox, and with three of their key players hurt.
More»Sanchez blasts 20 home runs in 51 games |
 | Dusty Baker sat in the visiting dugout on March 2 at Charlotte Sports Park and tried to explain why he was returning to the pressure of managing a Major League baseball team -- this time, the Washington Nationals.
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 | Just when it appeared the Orioles were poised to complete a sweep of last-place Tampa Bay, the Rays' bats came alive, their bullpen was perfect, and they jogged off the Tropicana Field turf with a 7-6 victory.
More» Colome locks down the save with the strikeout |
 | Like the wonderful song, September is different. And no matter how much players argue the point, baseball is played differently in September. Especially for contenders.
More» Ramirez crushes a grand slam to left-center |
 | Prior to the Aug. 1 non-waiver Trade Deadline, the Rangers were a good team. Since then, they've become arguably the best team in the American League.
More» Lucroy puts the Rangers on the board |
 | The day in August 2014 when the Indians unveiled a bigger-than-life statue of Jim Thome at Progressive Field, the slugger said another should be erected next to his: Charlie Manuel. It's not a statue, but when Thome is inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame this weekend during ceremonies at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park, his bronze plaque will be close to Manuel's.
More» Thome discusses playing for the Phillies |
 | A year ago, en route to their exciting World Series championship, the hungry Royals would have refused to let important scoring opportunities go to waste.
More» Miller smashes a go-ahead homer in the 8th |
 | The Toronto Blue Jays, at least on paper, arguably have the best team in the American League East. The Boston Red Sox, with an improved pitching staff, are coming on fast. That leaves the surprising Baltimore Orioles, who desperately need pitching help, atop the division by two games as they invade Yankee Stadium on Monday night.
More» Britton closes the door on the Rays |
 | All-Star Games in San Diego have always been special to Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda. The former Dodgers skipper managed the National League All-Stars four times, but his first of three victories was in 1978 at San Diego.
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 | On the morning of June 1, the Red Sox were flying high in the American League East. They were 32-20, and they were in first place, ahead of the Orioles by three games. As they begin a weekend set at Fenway Park against the Angels, Boston is mired in second place, 5 1/2 games behind Baltimore.
More» Price fans 10 through 6 1/3 innings of work |
 | First inning: Jake Peavy was struggling with his command, the Rays had taken a 1-0 lead against the Giants and had runners on first and third with one out. Bruce Bochy rubbed his huge hand over his face and almost yawned. Peavy quickly got two outs and the Rays threat was over.
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 | The Tampa Bay Rays have been written off more times this season than the double-martini lunch.
More» Pearce crushes a solo homer over foul pole |
 | If there's a trace of a silver lining to the Astros' disappointing start, it's that this young team with the highest of expectations is learning the hard way it's not so easy.
More» Pearce leads Rays to victory with three hits |
