Major League Baseball approves a change in the ground rules for Tropicana Field, making a batted ball that caroms off the A- and B-ring catwalks a dead ball with the pitch not counting, instead of being in play as in the past. The Rays requested the change, which will be implemented in the upcoming ALDS, after Jason Kubel’s two-out, ninth-inning pop up hit off one of the catwalks, driving in the go-ahead run in Minnesota’s eventual 8-6 victory over the home team.

The Indians name Chris Antonetti as the team’s new general manager, with former GM Mark Shapiro moving into his new position as team president. The transition has been developing over the past few years with Antonetti gradually being given a bigger role in Cleveland’s day-to-day operations, giving Shapiro more time to run the business side of the franchise.

On the last day of the campaign, Miguel Tejada hits a fourth-inning double off Nelson Figueroa in the Astros’ 4-0 loss in New York to finish the season with 46, the most in the National League. The Astros’ shortstop, who also was tops the AL with 50 two-baggers playing for the Orioles in 2005, is the first player in baseball history to have led both leagues in doubles.

51,000 fans turn out for what should be the final regular-season game to be played at the Metrodome, but the Twins extend their season with a 13 – 4 defeat of the Royals. Mid-season acquisition Carl Pavano picks up the win, completing a remarkable comeback season that sees him go 14-12 after three nightmarish years with the New York Yankees, and Delmon Young hits two home runs. Combined with the Tigers’ 5 – 3 victory over the White Sox, highlighted by Ryan Raburn’s two long balls, the Twins’ win forces a one-game playoff that will be played in two days, as the dome is being used for a Monday night football game in the meantime.

On the last day of the season in the team’s 10-2 victory at Tampa Bay, the Yankees break a franchise record, thanks to Alex Rodriguez’s three-run blast in the ten-run sixth inning, by hitting their 243rd homer of the season. In the same frame, A-Rod goes deep again, this time with the bases loaded, to extend the club’s mark, and the third baseman sets a new American League record, collecting seven RBI’s in one inning.

The Dodgers complete a three-game NLDS sweep of Chicago with a 3-1 victory, winning their first postseason series since 1998. The stunning loss in the playoffs extends the World Series drought for the Cubs into another century.

Citing the need for a different kind of communicator in the dugout, Jon Daniels, one year after he becomes the youngest GM in big league history, fires veteran skipper Buck Showalter. The Ranger manager compiled a 319-329 record during his four-year tenure in Texas.

Russell Martin’s double kills a promising two on and none out rally as both Dodgers runners are nailed at home. Jeff Kent and J.D. Drew both try to score, but the relay from right fielder Shawn Green to second baseman Jose Valentin to Paul Lo Duca gives the catcher an opportunity to tag each runner during their headfirst slides into the plate.

With John Hart’s resignation yesterday, the Rangers name his assistant Jon Daniels to be the team’s general manager. The 28 year-old, who is ten months younger than BoSox boss Theo Epstein, becomes the youngest GM in big league history.

Mike Mussina pitches scoreless ball into the 6th inning, and rookie Robinson Cano lines a three-run double in the 1st as the New York Yankees defeat Bartolo Colón and the Los Angeles Angels, 4 – 2, in Game 1 of their American League Division Series.