Ricketts promises Series win

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Cubs sale to Ricketts family completed

The sale of the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field and other assets from the Tribune Co. to the Ricketts family is complete.

The Ricketts family said Tuesday that it has taken a 95 percent controlling interest in the baseball franchise, its storied ballpark and 25 percent of Comcast Sportsnet.

The deal is valued at $845 million. Billionaire Joe Ricketts is the founder of Omaha, Neb.-based TD Ameritrade.

Manuel tabs Blanton to start Game 4 of World Series

Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has tabbed Joe Blanton to start Game 4 of the World Series, opting against putting Cliff Lee in after only three days' rest.

Manuel chose Blanton to pitch because of his experience last year, when he earned the win in Game 4 against the Rays. Blanton pitched six innings and gave up two runs while adding a home run at the plate.

"Blanton fits for us because I think we want to keep (J.A.) Happ in the bullpen," Manuel said of the decision between starting Blanton or Happ in Game 4. "Also, Joe pitched last year in the World Series, and he's got a little bit more experience."

Phils lock up Blanton

The Philadelphia Phillies avoided arbitration with Joe Blanton on Thursday, signing the right-hander to a three- year contract extension worth $24 million.

Blanton made 31 starts for the Phillies last season, compiling a 12-8 record with a 4.05 earned run average and a career-high 163 strikeouts over 31 starts. He finished tied with left-handers J.A. Happ and Jamie Moyer for the team lead in wins.

Acquired in a trade from the Oakland Athletics in July 2008, Blanton is 16-8 with a 4.09 ERA in 44 regular-season starts for the two-time defending National League champions.

Agreement reached to sell Cubs

The Tribune Co. has reached a written agreement to sell the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field and other assets to the family of TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts for about $900 million, The Associated Press reported Monday.

The agreement was reached over the weekend and a document outlining the deal -- called a term sheet -- was sent to Major League Baseball for review..

The term sheet is not a final agreement. It contains details on how the Ricketts family will finance the deal. The deal also would give the Ricketts family a 25 percent interest in a regional cable television sports network.

Martinez promises Phillies, fans they'll see the real Pedro

Pedro Martinez says he was "too brave" when he pitched hurt his final years in New York, and he's excited about his return to the major leagues with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Martinez agreed to a $1 million, one-year contract with the Phillies on Wednesday.

The team put the three-time Cy Young winner on the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder strain. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has confidence Martinez will be ready to pitch in two to three weeks.