Jeff Pearlman

Since Jeff Pearlman left SPORTS ILLUSTRATED in 2003, he has written five books, two of them New York Times best sellers. Among Pearlman's great strengths are the thoroughness of his reporting and his ability to draw...

What smart fans should do this week

Pitch-by-pitchmen: Get on-scene analysis throughout the playoffs from SI's Tom Verducci, Stephen Cannella and Jeff Pearlman at cnnsi.com/baseball.

After starting 50 games in 1997 and '98, Cardinals righthander Matt Morris (above) underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the '99 season. In 2000 he pitched in 31 games—all in relief. Last season, when he returned...