John Smoltz News

For no reason other than my never-ending digging through Red Sox data and statistical archives, I give to you some randomness from 2002.

Terry Francona visited with the hosts of WEEI's "Dale and Holley" show this afternoon, taking questions from the hosts as well as calls and texts from listeners.

With the 40-man roster deadline bearing down and with 4 other catchers already taking up slots , the Sox chose to release Kottaras.

Don't expect the Astros to pursue veteran pitcher John Smoltz. Smoltz was said to have drawn interest of several teams according to a report by Foxsports.com, a list that included the Astros.

There's already a lot cooking on this year's Hot Stove, proving once again that the baseball season does not end just because the games do.

The World Series may still be fresh in your mind, but MLB GMs are already focusing on next season.

Giants ace Tim Lincecum is facing misdemeanor marijuana charges after a traffic stop in his home state.

It's Holliday season Cardinals have exclusive negotiating rights for two weeks before the slugger hits the open market in free agency.

Pitcher John Lackey and outfielder Matt Holliday were among 79 players who filed for free agency Thursday, the first possible day.

Andy Pettitte came back to the New York Yankees three years ago because he wanted to help them win another World Series title.

An in-his-primeA Cy Young Award winning pitcher was makingA the start in Game One of the World Series on the hill at Yankee Stadium .

What does it take for net work baseball experts -- experienced experts, no less -- to sensibly speak baseball? In the bottom of the first of last night's Game 2 Fox telecast, "The Home Depot Tools To Victory" graphic appeared.

Mike Flanagan and Steve Carlton did it first in 1983, representing the Orioles and Phillies, respectively.

Dante Bichette was a true Blake Street Bomber, hitting 201 home runs during his seven-year stay with the Rockies.

SUNDAY at New York, 8 p.m. Saunders 16-7 vs. Pettitte 14-8 MONDAY at New York, 7:30 p.m.* Phillies win series 4-1 WEDNESDAY at AL champions, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY at AL champions, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m. SUNDAY NOV.

Today is a very important day in the life of Andy Pettitte, and not just because it is his responsibility to nip these Angels in the bud of momentum, shut them down right here and put a merciful end to what has become an excruciating American League Championship Series.

This guy has a lot of work to do. Whew, I just got back from an abortive effort climbing Mt.

Bob Melvin sees the Houston Astros being in better shape than the Diamondbacks were when he became their manager in November 2004.

ANAHEIM, Calif . - Andy Pettitte didn't feel quite right the final five weeks of the season, and it had nothing to do with the sore shoulder that caused him to miss a mid-September start.

Still, the idea of dipping into the free-agent well for similar low-cost, incentive-based deals for pitchers coming back from injuries or with long histories of injuries is still a possibility this offseason.