The Pirates' disputed contract agreement with Pedro Alvarez will be the primary focus -- and not that of any other player -- of the Major League Baseball Players Association's grievance with commissioner Bud Selig's office, a source disclosed today. (Today)

For all the ticking clocks, terse exchanges and now a full-blown drama between Major League Baseball and its players' union, it might be easy to lose sight of perhaps the most pivotal aspect of the Pirates Pedro Alvarez saga: (Today)

Regardless of how the Pedro Alvarez mess plays out, it looks like his options for playing meaningful baseball this fall or winter are becoming increasingly limited. (Today)

National League Nationals 11, Dodgers 2: Cristian Guzman hit for the cycle and Elijah Dukes had two home runs, helping host Washington past struggling Los Angeles. ... (Today)

Was it a minute before midnight? (Yesterday)