Ricketts promises Series win

The new owner of the Chicago Cubs didn't wait long to make a promise: Tom Ricketts says the Cubs are going to win the World Series.

Of course, the Cubs haven't won it all since 1908 and haven't even been to the series since 1945. But Ricketts and other family members were upbeat as they were introduced at a news conference Friday at Wrigley Field.

He says there is no "magic bullet" to win but consistent talent will get the Cubs to the top.

World Series ratings up big: Television ratings for the World Series are rebounding from last year's record lows.

The Yankees' 3-1 win over the Phillies on Thursday night on Fox earned an 11.7 fast national rating and 19 share. That's up 44 percent from the 8.1/13 for last year's Phillies-Rays Game 2.

Phillies' Blanton to start Game 4: Joe Blanton has been picked to start Game 4 of the World Series for the defending champion Philadelphia Phillies.

Manager Charlie Manuel said Friday he will go with Blanton against the New York Yankees rather than pitch ace Cliff Lee on three days' rest. Lee is slated to start Game 5.

Blanton was 12-8 with a 4.05 ERA this season.

Friday's transactions: The Houston Astros declined the 2010 option on right-handed relief pitcher Doug Brocail and re-signed third baseman Geoff Blum to a one-year, $1.5 million contract. Blum's contract includes a mutual option for the 2011 season worth $1.65 million.

Freddy Sanchez has signed a $12 million, two-year contract extension Friday with the San Francisco Giants.