Links of the Day: Playoff edition

After pressure from MLB, ESPN has changed their minds and has started running promos for the playoff games on TBS. ESPN didn’t have to, it wasn’t in their contract, and the only leverage MLB had over ESPN was not letting ESPN do on-site coverage from playoff games. I figured that wouldn’t be a huge loss, considering football season is in full swing. Maybe ESPN did this to preserve a good relationship with MLB down the line?

Jonathan Papelbon is the worst negotiator ever. (One More Dying Quail)

An excellent take on Barry Bonds and the asterisked ball situation. As much as we all hate him, Barry is still a human being. And degrading the record home run ball by putting an asterisk on it, even though it looks like it’s deserved, is classless. (Bugs & Cranks)

Imagine being a fan of 3 MLB teams — and seeing all three going to the postseason in the same year. That’s incredible (Center Field).

I’m not the only sports blogger who writes book reviews well after the books come out. Here’s a good review of Mike Greenberg’s book. (Hugging Harold Reynolds)