The Indians sign 40 year-old Manny Acta to a three-year deal to be the team’s 40th manager in franchise history. The former Nationals’ field boss, who was fired by Washington in July, is the first Cleveland skipper to be hired outside the organization since John McNamara piloted the club in 1990.

The Indians sign 40 year-old Manny Acta to a three-year deal to be the team’s 40th manager in franchise history. The former Nationals’ field boss, who was fired by Washington in July, is the first Cleveland skipper to be hired outside the organization since John McNamara piloted the club in 1990.

The New York Yankees clinch their 40th American League pennant with a 5 – 2 win over the Angels in Game 6 of the ALCS. The familiar tandem of Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera earns the win and save, as Pettitte claims his record 16th postseason win.

The New York Yankees clinch their 40th American League pennant with a 5 – 2 win over the Angels in Game 6 of the ALCS. The familiar tandem of Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera earns the win and save, as Pettitte claims his record 16th postseason win.

The Angels stave off elimination in Game 5 of the ALCS by beating the Yankees, 7 – 6. Los Angeles overcomes a six-run Yankee inning in the 7th by coming back with 3 runs of their own in the bottom of the frame. Brian Fuentes ends the tense contest by getting Nick Swisher to fly out with the bases loaded in the 9th.

The Angels stave off elimination in Game 5 of the ALCS by beating the Yankees, 7 – 6. Los Angeles overcomes a six-run Yankee inning in the 7th by coming back with 3 runs of their own in the bottom of the frame. Brian Fuentes ends the tense contest by getting Nick Swisher to fly out with the bases loaded in the 9th.

Phillies becomes the first National League team to repeat since the Braves won consecutive flags in 1995-96

Phillies becomes the first National League team to repeat since the Braves won consecutive flags in 1995-96

In Game 5 of the NLCS, the Phillies defeat the Dodgers, capturing their second straight pennant. Philadelphia, with their 10-4 victory at Citizens Bank Park, becomes the first National League team to repeat the feat since the Braves won consecutive flags in 1995-96.

The Brewers hire Rick Peterson as their pitching coach to improve the club’s woeful starting pitching, which posted a 5.37 ERA last season. The 54 year-old pitching guru, known for his focus on motion analysis, is reunited with bench coach Willie Randolph and skipper Ken Macha, who were his former managers with the Mets and the A’s, teams he toiled for in a similar role.

The Brewers hire Rick Peterson as their pitching coach to improve the club’s woeful starting pitching, which posted a 5.37 ERA last season. The 54 year-old pitching guru, known for his focus on motion analysis, is reunited with bench coach Willie Randolph and skipper Ken Macha, who were his former managers with the Mets and the A’s, teams he toiled for in a similar role.

The Yankees take a 3-1 lead in the ALCS by crushing the Angels, 10 – 1, in Anaheim. Alex Rodriguez continues his red-hot hitting with a two-run homer off Jason Bulger in the 5th inning, giving him an RBI in 8 consecutive postseason contests.

The Yankees take a 3-1 lead in the ALCS by crushing the Angels, 10 – 1, in Anaheim. Alex Rodriguez continues his red-hot hitting with a two-run homer off Jason Bulger in the 5th inning, giving him an RBI in 8 consecutive postseason contests.

Kenji Johjima, the first Japanese catcher in major league history, surprises the Mariners by opting out of the final two seasons of his three-year deal. Unhappy of being benched, the 33 year-old struggling backstop walks away from $15.8 million to finish his career in Japan.

Kenji Johjima, the first Japanese catcher in major league history, surprises the Mariners by opting out of the final two seasons of his three-year deal. Unhappy of being benched, the 33 year-old struggling backstop walks away from $15.8 million to finish his career in Japan.

The Angels beat the Yankees at home, 5 – 4, in 11 innings, in Game 3 of the ALCS. Jeff Mathis drives in Howie Kendrick from first base with a double as Los Angeles overcomes four solo homers by the Yankees.

The Angels beat the Yankees at home, 5 – 4, in 11 innings, in Game 3 of the ALCS. Jeff Mathis drives in Howie Kendrick from first base with a double as Los Angeles overcomes four solo homers by the Yankees.

2009 – The Phillies take a 2-1 lead in the NLCS by trouncing the Dodgers, 11 – 0, at Citizens Bank Park. Cliff Lee only allows three hits while striking out 10 in 8 innings, while the Phillies score early and often, building up a 6 – 0 lead after 2 innings to chase Hiroki Kuroda. Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino homer for the winners, while Ryan Howard hits a two-run triple in the 1st, driving in a run in his 7th consecutive postseason game.

2009 – The Phillies take a 2-1 lead in the NLCS by trouncing the Dodgers, 11 – 0, at Citizens Bank Park. Cliff Lee only allows three hits while striking out 10 in 8 innings, while the Phillies score early and often, building up a 6 – 0 lead after 2 innings to chase Hiroki Kuroda. Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino homer for the winners, while Ryan Howard hits a two-run triple in the 1st, driving in a run in his 7th consecutive postseason game.