World Series could finish in November

Call it the November Classic.

The start of the World Series is being pushed back an extra day to Oct. 24, meaning Game 7 is scheduled for November for the first time. Because of extra off days during the postseason, a team sweeping the NL Championship Series would have eight days off before its World Series opener.

"Maybe it will be over by Thanksgiving," Oakland's Mike Piazza said after Monday's announcement.

Major League Baseball announced last summer that the Series would start on a Tuesday beginning in 2007 under the sport's new network television contracts. In recent months, the decision was made to push it back an extra day to Wednesday.

"Starting the World Series in the middle of the week, when television viewership is historically higher, will provide more fans with the opportunity to watch the games," said Bob DuPuy, baseball's chief operating officer. "The additional off days throughout the postseason will give us greater flexibility to facilitate travel and protect against poor weather."

The only time World Series games have gone into November was in 2001, when terrorist attacks caused the entire postseason to be delayed a week. The World Series has been scheduled to start on a Saturday since 1985, when the league championship series expanded to best-of-seven. It was slated for a Tuesday start from 1977 to 1984.

"What's four or five more days?" said Los Angeles Dodgers catcher and Westlake High alumnus Mike Lieberthal. "If it increases revenue, more power to it. It might be nicer for players who are in the playoffs to get an extra day off."

Clemens works out at Yankees' minor league complex: Roger Clemens made 47 throws during a seven-minute session in the outfield during his first workout at the New York Yankees' minor league complex.

Clemens is scheduled for a bullpen session. Barring any problems, he will make his first minor league start Friday night for Class-A Tampa and could be pitching for the Yankees during the last week of May or first few days of June.

The seven-time Cy Young Award winner spent 4 hours at the complex. He was on the field for 65 minutes doing running, agility work and fielding drills.

Marlins activate Hermida from DL: Florida Marlins right fielder Jeremy Hermida, out all season with a deep bone bruise on his right knee, was reinstated Monday from the disabled list and started against Pittsburgh.