Let the playoffs begin ...

Here's a wrap of MLB notes heading into the playoffs:

The Washington Nationals fired manager Matt Williams on Monday. The move was expected as the Nationals, with a team-record $164-million payroll, finished with an 83-79 record and failed to reach the playoffs.

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina apparently will try to play in the postseason with a splint protecting his injured left thumb. The team announced that Molina had his thumb examined by a hand specialist and was told that damage still exists in the ligament.

Major League Baseball reported that the five most popular jerseys belong to a quintet of young stars - the oldest being only 28. Chicago Cubs phenom Kris Bryant, 23, had the best-selling jersey. San Francisco ace Madison Bumgarner comes in at second. The Giants pitcher is only 26.

The Milwaukee Brewers told five assistant coaches their contracts would not be renewed. First base coach Mike Guerrero, pitching coach Rick Kranitz, bench coach Jerry Narron, outfield coach John Shelby and bullpen coach Lee Tunnell were informed they they no longer would be part of manager Craig Counsell's staff.

The US Supreme Court rejected San Jose's allegation that Major League Baseball had used illegal monopoly powers to block the Oakland Athletics from relocating. The justice's ruling ends San Jose's attempt to get the Athletics to move and leaves intact MLB's antitrust exemption. That exemption is supposed to restrict monopolies and encourage competition.

New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia is checking himself into an alcohol rehabilitation facility. That means manager Joe Girardi will have to rethink his starting rotation should the Yankees advance to play the Kansas City Royals.

The Oakland Athletics rearranged their front office somewhat, although the personnel has not changed. The A's promoted Billy Beane to vice-president of baseball operations and named David Forst general manager.

(China Daily 10/07/2015 page11)