Phil Rogers

HOUSTON -- You could have written a worse ending for the Cubs' spring training, but not one that was uglier than Saturday, especially not from Darwin Barney's perspective. While the Cubs were in the process of losing to a team of Astros' prospects 6-3,...

Less loud and fun Matt Murschel Orlando Sentinel Military flyovers are just as much a part of major sporting events in America as beer and hot dogs. It's seems like a long-standing tradition and that's what makes sporting events, well, an event. It's...

If the Cubs want to bridge the gulf between them and their career home-run leader, as Tom Ricketts hinted at the Cubs Convention over the weekend, Sammy Sosa says all they have to do is call. "I saw that the owner said he wanted to reach me, speak to me,...

Statistics through Sunday (last week's ranking) 1. Rangers (1): There have many issues, including a lack of production since early in the season from Michael Young and the highly regarded lineup, but a soft schedule has kept those issues from showing...

1. Nationals (1): Look for the lineup to start clicking soon with Ian Desmond back in the lineup and Bryce Harper heating up. Jayson Werth has been a major contributor since he came off the disabled list. 2. Reds (2): Doubleheader on Saturday caused...

Not South Florida's fault David Selig Baltimore Sun Why would baseball give up on South Florida? South Florida taxpayers paid $360 million to build a new ballpark and to improve the Marlins' chances of sustaining a competitive team. South Florida...

Having approved a similar trade between the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers in August, Commissioner Bud Selig seems unlikely to block the Miami Marlins’ agreed-upon salary dump, but he says he is taking the deal under review. Speaking at the...

A team where he wins Dylan Hernandez Los Angeles Times The Cuban national team? In all seriousness, I don't even know how to answer this question. Only three teams are looking for a manager and one of them is the team that fired Guillen. It's...

Grin and bear it Bill Shaikin Los Angeles Times Give him a pay cut! They did, actually. His contract calls for his salary to drop from $29 million this year to $28 million next year. The issue is not that Rodriguez cannot play. He batted .272 with...

Down for the count Dom Amore Hartford Courant It's always dangerous to count the Yankees out — except right now. They're one blow from being out cold, and Justin Verlander is winding up for a haymaker. These Yankees are old, and one-dimensional....

Cabrera lifting Tigers Phil Rogers Chicago Tribune I know Mike Trout has done historic things, but unfortunately his Angels team is also history, eliminated from the wild-card race on Monday, the same day that Miguel Cabrera's Tigers clinched the AL...

Boston drama never ends Paul Doyle Hartford Courant This one's not even close — the Red Sox are beyond dysfunctional. Once considered baseball's model franchise after winning two titles in four years, the Red Sox are a mess. The team...