OAKLAND -- They took the hard way. Same as they did all summer. But in the end, riding Justin Verlander, they finally arrived at their desired destination. Same as they did all summer. It's how these Tigers roll. But let me tell you this: The celebration was not any more tame, the champagne was not any less bubbly, after they finally eliminated the Oakland A's with a 6-0 Game 5 cruise. ... ...more

OAKLAND -- At least two American League clubs were absolutely thrilled with Jayson Werth's game-winning home run for the Nationals on Thursday. But don't get any ideas -- the Athletics and Tigers are not necessarily anti-Cardinals. ... ...more

OAKLAND -- Ah, October. That magical, mystical time of year, when the most unexpected, inspirational and Cinderella of stories ... can deflate like a horrible dream. And so it was late Wednesday when, not long after the Orioles suffered devastating loss to the Yankees, the Athletics, within three outs of signing off for the summer ... delivered another moment for the ages. ... ...more

OAKLAND -- Baseball's greatest escape artists did it again. Backs against the wall, staring down elimination and dozens of other assorted no-tomorrow clich*s, the Athletics handed the ball to Brett Anderson and said go get 'em. ... ...more

OAKLAND -- Time to kiss the Oakland A's goodbye? Flush from first-date excitement with 12 rookies on their playoff roster, it was quite clear under a warm sun and cloudy outlook Monday that the A's aren't quite sure what to make of their situation. ... ...more

Brett Anderson underwent Tommy John ligament transfer surgery 14 months ago. He fought back, rehabbed, and gave the Athletics' rotation a huge boost shortly after Bartolo Colon was suspended and while Brandon McCarthy has been sidelined with a head injury. But after straining his right oblique here Wednesday night, Anderson's season is finished. ... ...more

Tigers ace Justin Verlander, one year removed from winning both the American League MVP and Cy Young award, has been wearing a T-shirt around the clubhouse reading "Keep the MVP in the D." That it is not just an empty slogan for Verlander became crystal clear following his 15th victory of the season, a 6-2 decision over the Athletics on Wednesday. ... ...more

Reliever Brandon League is a popular man in these last hours before Tuesday's trade deadline, with the White Sox, Dodgers, Giants and "more than a handful of other clubs" contacting the Mariners about him, according to CBSSports.com sources. ... ...more

Agent Scott Boras points out that three Cuban free agents have signed for more than $100 million so far this year, while more than 300 United States-born players have only amassed roughly $175 million. ... ...more