ESPN Columnists

Cashman casts praise far and wide 13 hours ago

As his players celebrated the franchise's 27th World Series title, Yankees GM Brian Cashman was busy raising a glass to all of his behind-the-scenes personnel.

Hermida's move sure to be replicated 2 days ago

Buster Olney checks in two days after the Yankees' 27th championship. His thoughts: Jeremy Hermida to the Red Sox is a small-market-team-dumping-talent move that will be replicated time and again this winter -- and Roy Halladay will likely stay in Canada.

Obstacles to a World Series rematch 3 days ago

Any World Series win, or even a close runner-up, can leave a team feeling as though it has achieved at least near-perfection, but if the Yankees and Phillies want to dance again next November, here are issues they must consider, writes Buster Olney.

Six key matchups for Game 6 4 days ago

Whether it's how the Yankees will change their strategy against Chase Utley or how Pedro will deal with the cold or even how Ryan Howard and Mark Teixeira will handle the soft stuff, these are the keys to Game 6, writes Buster Olney.

Howard's slide-step hurting the Phillies November 02, 2009

In the playoffs, any negative tendency can become an outright weakness because the smallest holes in any player's game will be targeted relentlessly. Ryan Howard, meet the recurring slider. Plus -- how a brawl is set for the spring, writes Buster.

Baseball's next great economic disparity November 01, 2009

Buster Olney shines light on the fact that because the arbitration process has become outdated, close to 300 veteran players could be looking for jobs, a staggering number that depresses free-agency asking prices. Plus: Hamels vs. Pettitte analyzed.

Winter market forecast: A flood of non-tenders October 31, 2009

Early indications are that many teams are going to choose to cut ties with some of their arbitration-eligible players this offseason.

The leftovers tell us a lot from Game 2 October 30, 2009

Whether it was how Mariano Rivera decided to ditch thumb-busting for one key at-bat, or the way Pedro mixed virtually everything regarding the way he pitched, Game 2 had a lot of small stories that had a huge impact on the outcome.

Lee's calm is the Yankees' storm October 29, 2009

Cliff Lee couldn't muster an intensity that would remind anybody of Jack Morris, boring a hole through his own catcher with his gaze. Instead, it was his almost flippant sense of calm and un-patterned approach to hitters that baffled the Yankees.

The top matchups of the World Series October 28, 2009

Buster Olney lists the top nine matchups of the World Series, then gets predictions and breakdowns from general managers and team executives. Plus, we settle the good pitching versus good hitting debate once and for all.

A new chapter for Lee and Sabathia October 27, 2009

Cliff Lee and CC Sabathia both have known struggles, and it was a boon to each that the other was there to help guide the way. Now, the two will share the same rubber -- the same divot in the dirt -- in Game 1 of the World Series, Buster Olney writes.

Is Mattingly in line to succeed Torre? October 26, 2009

While it would be premature to say Don Mattingly is regarded as the heir apparent to Dodgers manager Joe Torre, there may come a day when he will emerge as the leading candidate to replace Torre.

McGwire has a road map, but also a guide October 26, 2009

A precedent has been set for those linked to performance-enhancing drug use: Come forward with your admission, repent and move on. But Mark McGwire is in a different category. His links are of a different kind, and so is his mentor.

What to watch for in Game 6 of the ALCS October 24, 2009

Eight factors that will shape Game 6 of the ALCS.

A game filled with crossroads October 23, 2009

The New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels play a game filled with crossroads.

Replay for the World Series could work October 22, 2009

The playoffs have been marred by bad calls from umpires -- some they could have called better, some they might have had little chance of getting right. So if we had the technology to get this right last week, why not start now, asks Buster?

Hill under contract, wants out October 21, 2009

Perry Hill is under contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates for 2010 after they exercised a contractual option -- but unless something changes, it appears that he will not work at all next season.

Sources: Padres moving closer to hire October 21, 2009

The San Diego Padres are moving closer toward hiring Jed Hoyer, an assistant general manager with the Boston Red Sox, as their next general manager, according to major league sources.

A-Rod's adjustments may be paying off October 21, 2009

With A-Rod, the only thing that could ever match his production was the perpetual sideshow. But while his approach to the game hasn't changed much, the way he deals with everything else has, and perhaps it's paying dividends.

Who will take the fall? October 20, 2009

Clutch players make or break any MLB team's postseason run. Buster Olney examines which traits are key in being a clutch performer in October.