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Nomar Garciaparra rips an RBI single early in Sunday's game.
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Dodgers beat Phillies, fight way back into NLCS
LOS ANGELES, 8:30 p.m. Oct. 12 (AP)
Tired of getting brushed back in the NL championship series, Manny Ramirez and the Los Angeles Dodgers came out ready to fight their way back against Philadelphia.
Blake DeWitt's bases-loaded triple off Jamie Moyer capped a five-run first inning, and the feisty Dodgers beat the Phillies 7-2 on Sunday night to trim Philadelphia's lead to 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.
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LOS ANGELES, 8:26 p.m. Oct. 12 (AP)Moyer rocked by Dodgers in first inning: Jamie Moyer sure looked his age against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 45-year-old Philadelphia left-hander – the second-oldest pitcher to start a postseason game – put the Phillies in an early hole Sunday night and they never recovered.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., 11:11 p.m. Oct. 11 (AP)
Rays beat Red Sox 9-8 in 11 innings, even up ALCS: B.J. Upton and the Tampa Bay Rays won a game of home run derby with a shallow fly ball. Pinch-runner Fernando Perez dashed home on Upton's sacrifice fly in the 11th inning and the Rays outlasted the Boston Red Sox 9-8 early Sunday, evening the AL championship series at one game each.
PLAYOFF NOTEBOOK, 5:44 p.m. Oct. 12 (AP)Despite playoff struggles, Beckett says he's fine: Josh Beckett insists he's healthy, despite his postseason struggles. The Red Sox right-hander allowed eight runs in 4 1-3 innings Saturday night when the Tampa Bay Rays beat Boston 9-8 in 11 innings to even the best-of-seven AL championship series at one game apiece going into Monday. BOSTON, 4:58 p.m. Oct. 12 (AP)
Red Sox LHP Lester, all better, to be unleashed on Rays: This is Jon Lester unleashed: unhittable in May, a stopper in October, the emerging ace of the Boston Red Sox.
Oct. 12 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Dodgers can thank Padres' ex-scout:Tonight the National League Championship Series will visit Southern California for the first time since the 1998 Padres and Braves met in Mission Valley.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., 10:42 p.m. Oct. 11 (AP)Beckett struggles again in Game 2 of ALCS: Josh Beckett's reputation as a postseason ace is taking a beating. The Boston star struggled for a second consecutive playoff start Saturday night, lasting only 4 1-3 innings against Tampa Bay in Game 2 of the AL championship series. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., 5:28 p.m. Oct. 11 (AP)
Boston OF Drew out of lineup for Game 2 of ALCS: Boston outfielder J.D. Drew was out of the lineup Saturday night for Game 2 of the AL championship series, though manager Terry Francona said the move was not injury-related. LOS ANGELES, 5:09 p.m. Oct. 11 (AP)
Dodgers try to keep Philly winless in L.A.: Trailing 2-0 in the National League championship series, the Los Angeles Dodgers have the Philadelphia Phillies right where they want them – at home. 2:45 p.m. Oct. 11 (AP)
Manny will cost Dodgers, but is he worth it?: A strange new sight appeared at Dodger Stadium shortly after the Dodgers pulled off the deal of the century and added Manny Ramirez to the roster. 12:57 p.m. Oct. 11 (AP)
Still waiting: No call yet for a postseason replay: Cliff Floyd has gotten a close look at instant replay and likes what he's seen. He's fine with umpires getting a better view, and he's OK if it takes a few extra minutes. PHILADELPHIA, 7:04 p.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
Manuel's mother dies before Game 2 of NLCS: A grieving Charlie Manuel was in the dugout for the Philadelphia Phillies' 8-5 win over the Dodgers in Game 2 of the NL championship series Friday, hours after his mother died. SAN DIEGO, 6:59 p.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
Canseco detained at U.S. border: Jose Canseco was held for nearly 10 hours by immigration authorities after agents said they stopped the former baseball star as he attempted to bring a fertility drug from Mexico, his lawyer said Friday. PHILADELPHIA, 6:17 p.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
Dodgers need big comeback at home to even NLCS: Manny Ramirez did his part. His three-run homer plopped in a front-row flower bed and was enough to make Sandy Koufax rise from his seat and cheer. When Ramirez cocked his head back at the plate and pointed toward the last few fleeting moments of Dodgers blue sky, it was the final time L.A. was looking up. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., 5:20 p.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
Josh Beckett, Scott Kazmir look to Game 2: Josh Beckett is bracing for a stiff challenge from the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 2 of the AL championship series Saturday night.
PHILADELPHIA, 8:15 p.m. Oct. 9 (AP)
Ramirez can't come through Dodgers: Manny Ramirez had two more hits and another RBI for the Dodgers. Too bad the rest of Los Angeles' lineup couldn't help the dynamic slugger in Game 1 of the NLCS.
MINNEAPOLIS, 6:37 p.m. Oct. 9 (AP)
Redmond's $950,000 option exercised by Twins: Backup catcher Mike Redmond's $950,000 option for next season was exercised Thursday by the Minnesota Twins.
PHILADELPHIA, 5:06 p.m. Oct. 9 (AP)
If Dodgers don't win it all, Bowa wants Phils: Larry Bowa's fiery personality made him a fan favorite during his playing days in Philadelphia, when the Gold Glove shortstop helped lead the Phillies to their only World Series championship in 1980.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., 3:48 p.m. Oct. 9 (AP)
Rays ready for ALCS ... and rivalry with Red Sox: Winning creates a rivalry, the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays claim, rather than years of testy relations between the teams.
SAN FRANCISCO, 12:40 p.m. Oct. 9 (AP)
Baker to manage son's youth team: Dusty Baker is going back to youth baseball. This weekend, Baker will be the fill-in coach for 9-year-old son Darren's 10-and-under traveling tournament team, Hard 90 Pastime out of Roseville, Calif., near the Bakers' Northern California home.
1:46 a.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
East coast or west, Torre proves why he's best: Some outtakes from the commercials that Joe Torre made about his “new life” on the Left Coast are much funnier than the scenes that made the final cut. No matter. Whether he's pretending to surf or practice yoga, or just driving around town in a convertible, what comes through is how much the man loves LA.
PHILADELPHIA, 1:17 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)Phillies need more production from Utley, Howard: For all their big hits and long homers during the regular season, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard have to provide the Philadelphia Phillies with more offense in October. BOSTON, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Doc: Schilling could have been ready for playoffs: Curt Schilling could have been ready to pitch in the AL championship series, according to his surgeon. CHICAGO, 3:43 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Cubs exercise Rich Harden's $7 million option: Rich Harden's $7 million option for next year was exercised Wednesday by the Chicago Cubs, one day after a test showed the hard-throwing right-hander had no structural damage in his pitching shoulder. PLAYOFF NOTES, 4:59 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Torre enjoying L.A. success after split with Yankees: Joe Torre got more out of this season than an NL West title with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He got a chance to prove he could win without the New York Yankees. NEW YORK, 11:57 a.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Reilly, McClelland umpire crew chiefs for LCS: Mike Reilly was picked Wednesday as the umpire crew chief for the NL championship series and Tim McClelland was selected as crew chief for the ALCS. TOKYO, 6:26 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Japan baseball to curb talent drain with ban: Japan's professional baseball teams have agreed to introduce a ban on players who return to Japan after opting out of the amateur draft in order to play for overseas pro teams. PINELLAS PARK, Fla., 9:46 a.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Longtime Cards official George Kissell dies at 88: George Kissell, a former major league coach who had been with the St. Louis Cardinals organization since 1940, has died following a car accident. He was 88. BOSTON, 8:57 a.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Matsuzaka to open for Red Sox against Rays: Daisuke Matsuzaka has been picked by the Boston Red Sox to open the AL championship series against the Tampa Bay Rays. NEW YORK, 8:55 a.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Yankees scrap closing ceremony at stadium: Plans for a closing ceremony at Yankee Stadium have been scrapped. The team had discussed organizing an event on the weekend of Nov. 8-9 that would have included remembrances of many of the non-baseball events at the 85-year-old ballpark, such as football and boxing. PINELLAS PARK, Fla., 6:59 a.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Cardinals official Kissell dies after car accident: Hospital officials say longtime St. Louis Cardinals official George Kissell has died after he was injured in a traffic accident in Florida. SAN FRANCISCO, 6:35 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Vizquel undergoes eye surgery: Omar Vizquel, the 11-time Gold Glove shortstop who will be looking for work this winter, is recovering from laser surgery on his right eye. SAN FRANCISCO, 6:01 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
New owner confident Giants will soon contend: New Giants managing partner Bill Neukom wants San Francisco to be aggressive about bringing top players to town, saying he's not against the club going after a high-priced free agent this winter. DENVER, 4:46 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Rockies let 3 coaches go: The Colorado Rockies let go three coaches after a disappointing 74-88 season. Hitting coach Alan Cockrell, third base coach Mike Gallego and bench coach Jamie Quirk were not offered contracts by the Rockies on Tuesday. Pitching coach Bob Apodaca and first base coach Glenallen Hill will return for the 2009 season. PHILADELPHIA, 4:21 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Pujols' homer is a distant memory for Lidge: Brad Lidge forgot about Albert Pujols' mammoth playoff homer a long time ago. Maybe now that he's had a perfect season, people will stop reminding him of it.
3:53 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Bosox-Rays renew rivalry, Manny in middle of NLCS: Exactly why the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays tangle so much is hard to tell. Blame it on a high-and-tight pitch here, a hard slide there.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., 3:24 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)Driven reliever Balfour helps Rays reach ALCS: Grant Balfour is unapologetic. By his own admission, Tampa Bay's hard-throwing reliever will say just about anything to talk himself into the right frame of mind to do his job. CLEVELAND, 3:14 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Indians DH Hafner mulling shoulder surgery: Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner may need right shoulder surgery after a disappointing end-of-the-season physical exam. ANAHEIM, 3:09 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
High-flying Angels flop again in October: They were baseball's best over the long, hot summer. Then came October, and another big chill. CHICAGO, 1:39 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
White Sox face changes after ouster: Just getting to the playoffs was a chore for the Chicago White Sox. They had to win their last regular-season game, the makeup of a rainout and a tiebreaker to win the AL Central. SAN FRANCISCO, 1:48 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Bonds says he's enjoying his 'freedom': Barry Bonds made a rare public appearance Tuesday and said he is enjoying life away from baseball. PINELLAS PARK, Fla., 11:56 a.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Longtime Cardinals coach Kissell injured in crash: Longtime St. Louis Cardinals official George Kissell was in critical condition Tuesday after being injured in a traffic accident. LOS ANGELES, 11:52 a.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
L.A. City Council wants to create 'Dodgertown': The area around Dodger Stadium would be renamed “Dodgertown” pending federal legislation that would redraw a zip code boundary. NEW YORK, 10:11 a.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
ESPN, MLB Network to show World Baseball Classic: ESPN and the new MLB Network will split television rights to the World Baseball Classic under agreements announced Tuesday. NEW YORK, 9:26 a.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Yankees' closer Rivera has shoulder surgery: New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera had surgery Tuesday on his right shoulder and is expected to resume throwing in three months, a month ahead of spring training.
BOSTON, 12:49 a.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Red Sox beat Angels 3-2, move on to ALCS and Rays: The past postseason stars are gone. A new breed keeps the Red Sox winning. Curt Schilling, Manny Ramirez, even Mike Lowell – all World Series MVPs – are missing from the group of players Boston will take into the AL championship series.
BOSTON, 12:50 a.m. Oct. 7 (AP)Lester turns in another scoreless outing: Jon Lester just keeps adding to his impressive postseason resume. The Red Sox left-hander pitched seven innings without allowing an earned run for the second time in the AL division series Monday night, helping Boston end the Los Angeles Angels' season with a 3-2 win in Game 4. BOSTON, 9:05 p.m. Oct. 6 (AP)
Wasted chances end Los Angeles Angels' season: The best record in the majors, another strong performance by John Lackey, an excellent chance to take the lead in the ninth inning – it was all just wasted by the Los Angeles Angels. LOS ANGELES, 4:37 p.m. Oct. 6 (AP)
Here we go again: Phils, Dodgers meet up in NLCS: Back in the era of cookie-cutter stadiums, polyester pullovers and artificial turf, baseball had another familiar sight: Phillies vs. Dodgers for the NL pennant. 7:49 p.m. Oct. 6 (AP)
Schilling might consider half-season comeback at 42: Curt Schilling is considering coming back next year – for half the season. The Boston Red Sox right-hander, who underwent season-ending shoulder surgery on June 23, said in an interview with Sporting News that he might try to pitch in 2009 under the right circumstances. CHICAGO, 6:43 p.m. Oct. 6 (AP)
White Sox finally eliminated: This time, the Chicago White Sox couldn't avoid the knockout. They won four straight elimination games only to bow out with a 6-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 4 of their division series on Monday night. Just like that, what looked like a promising October for the city ended with a whimper. BOSTON, 5:06 p.m. Oct. 6 (AP)
Lowell replaced on Boston roster because of hip: Third baseman Mike Lowell was remove from Boston's first-round postseason roster on Monday because of a right hip strain. COOPERSTOWN, N.Y., 2:17 p.m. Oct. 6 (AP)
Finalists announced for Frick Award: Former Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Joe Nuxhall was selected as a finalist Monday for the Ford Frick Award. HOUSTON, 2:07 p.m. Oct. 6 (AP)
Astros pitcher arrested in wedding reception melee: Astros pitcher Brandon Backe was among 10 people arrested during a brawl with police at a weekend wedding reception in a Galveston hotel bar. PHILADELPHIA, 2:09 p.m. Oct. 6 (AP)
Manuel ignored criticism, kept Phillies focused: Charlie Manuel looked on from the dugout while his players celebrated a division championship, and sat in his office after they took the party back on the field. BOSTON, 2:37 a.m. Oct. 6 (AP)
Lackey and Lester set for rematch in Game 4: John Lackey lost Game 1 against the Red Sox. Don't expect him to change his approach too much in Game 4. CHICAGO, 1:50 a.m. Oct. 6 (AP)
Chicago ray of hope: White Sox win, trail 2-1: In a sea of black shirts and waving white towels, the White Sox kept their season afloat. The only Chicago team still left in the playoffs, the White Sox got another gritty pitching performance in an elimination game from lefty John Danks and a key hit from well-traveled DeWayne Wise to beat Tampa Bay 5-3 Sunday. LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
L.A. sweeps into NLCS: After giving up drinking alcohol, a friend of Dodgers President Jamie McCourt handed her a bottle of champagne yesterday. MILWAUKEE, 1:31 p.m. Oct. 5 (AP)
Brewers' wild ride ends with a whimper: For a season 26 years in the making, the wild ride for the wild-card Milwaukee Brewers ended with a whimper. CHICAGO, 12:09 p.m. Oct. 5 (AP)
Cubs' title search continues: Now, it's an even 100 years for the Chicago Cubs. The team that posted the best record in the National League is picking up the pieces again after three horrendous performances that resulted in a sweep by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the opening round of the playoffs. MILWAUKEE, 10:18 a.m. Oct. 5 (AP)
Selig gets a standing ovation for this strike: Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig got a standing ovation for a strike. Selig threw out the first pitch Sunday before Game 4 of the NL division series between his old team, the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Philadelphia Phillies.
BOSTON, 5:33 p.m. Oct. 4 (AP)
Beckett, Red Sox look to finish the Angels off: The Los Angeles Angels might have thought they caught a break when they didn't have to face Red Sox ace Josh Beckett in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
MILWAUKEE, 8:06 p.m. Oct. 4 (AP)Hardy, Brewers stave off elimination with NLDS win: J.J. Hardy and the Milwaukee Brewers did just enough to keep their postseason alive for another day. CHICAGO, 5:13 p.m. Oct. 4 (AP)
Rookie Ramirez making big contribution for WSox: Alexei Ramirez wasn't even guaranteed a spot on the White Sox's opening day roster. Now, he and Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria are leading candidates for AL Rookie of the Year and are at the top of a strong group of newcomers. MILWAUKEE, 5:05 p.m. Oct. 4 (AP)
Knee injury knocks Weeks out of Game 3 in NLDS: Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks left Saturday night's NL division series game against the Phillies after the third inning with a sprained left knee. MILWAUKEE, 4:16 p.m. Oct. 4 (AP)
Selig to owners: Don't get 'cocky' on pricing: Given the state of the U.S. economy, baseball commissioner Bud Selig warned team owners Saturday not to “get too cocky” and overprice game tickets.
CHICAGO, 3:47 p.m. Oct. 4 (AP)
Rays loose before potential clincher: Relaxed and loose, some of the Tampa Bay Rays wore ski caps and earflaps for a workout Saturday, only to find sunny skies and crisp temperatures not requiring extra protection.
LOS ANGELES, 3:17 p.m. Oct. 4 (AP)
Casey Blake has helped Dodgers thrive: While Manny Ramirez has provided a spectacular boost to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Casey Blake's contributions haven't gotten nearly as much attention.
MILWAUKEE, 3:06 p.m. Oct. 4 (AP)
Phils' Jenkins finally sees playoffs in Milwaukee: For Geoff Jenkins, the good-natured ribbing began right after the Philadelphia Phillies arrived at Milwaukee's Miller Park.
MILWAUKEE, 2:57 p.m. Oct. 4 (AP)
Blanton ready to go for Phils if there's a Game 4: Joe Blanton is ready to pitch Sunday. Never mind there might not be a game. Or that Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel won't say for sure whether Blanton is getting the ball if there is.
NEW YORK, 1:16 p.m. Oct. 4 (AP)
Manuel: Mets must 'marinate' on September failures: Jerry Manuel was in a joking mood. “I was trying to get 15 years on my deal,” the New York Mets manager said Saturday. “They cut it down.”
ANAHEIM, 3:54 a.m. Oct. 4 (AP)
Drew's homer lifts Red Sox to 7-5 win over Angels: J.D. Drew looked pretty feeble as he swung and missed a pair of off-speed pitches from Francisco Rodriguez. He sure didn't miss a third one.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., 1:13 a.m. Oct. 4 (AP)
Rays rally to beat White Sox 6-2: The Tampa Bay Rays are one win away from making baseball's feel-good story of the year an even more remarkable tale.
CLEVELAND, 10:23 a.m. Oct. 3 (AP)Indians complete trade with Brewers: The Cleveland Indians have acquired a minor league outfielder from the Milwaukee Brewers to complete the CC Sabathia trade. PHILADELPHIA, 1:18 a.m. Oct. 3 (AP)
Dave Bush to start for Brewers, who are down 2-0: It's now up to Dave Bush. Bush will start for Milwaukee in Game 3 of its series against the Phillies on Saturday at Miller Park, looking to prolong the Brewers' season. Milwaukee is down 2-0 in the best-of-five NL division series. CHICAGO, 11:25 p.m. Oct. 2 (AP)
Soriano coming up cold in October: Alfonso Soriano was the prized free agent, the man the Chicago Cubs hoped would help them end their championship drought. Now, they need him to deliver. PHILADELPHIA, 6:33 p.m. Oct. 2 (AP)
Brewers' bats go cold against Phillies: After a September full of clutch hits, Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun and the Milwaukee Brewers are suddenly coming up short at the plate.
PHILADELPHIA, 6:15 p.m. Oct. 2 (AP)
Sabathia stumbles, Phillies take 2-0 series lead: One more loss to the Phillies, and CC Sabathia and the Milwaukee Brewers will have all winter to rest.
DENVER, 5:59 p.m. Oct. 2 (AP)Helton has surgery on lower back: Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton had surgery on his lower back and is expected to be ready for spring training. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., 3:00 p.m. Oct. 2 (AP)
Longoria's 2 homers lead Rays over White Sox 6-4: Evan Longoria and the Tampa Bay Rays looked perfectly at home in the playoffs. The rookie homered in his first two at-bats and the surprising AL East champions were a big hit in their postseason debut, beating the Chicago White Sox 6-4 Thursday in their AL playoff opener. NEW YORK, 9:02 a.m. Oct. 2 (AP)
GM Omar Minaya given deal through 2012 by Mets: General manager Omar Minaya was given a new contract that runs through 2012, a deal that comes four days after the New York Mets were eliminated from postseason contention in the last game of the season.
PHILADELPHIA, 3:10 p.m. Oct. 1 (AP)
Hamels, Lidge pitch Phils past Brewers in opener: Cole Hamels put Philadelphia in position to win, then Brad Lidge barely hung on. Behind their top two arms, the Phillies grabbed their first postseason victory in 15 years.
2:07 p.m. Oct. 1 (AP)Rest of story: Pitchers prosper on 3-day breaks: Maybe this whole rest business is overrated. CC Sabathia pitched the Milwaukee Brewers into the playoffs while taking only three-day breaks. Mark Buehrle, John Danks and the Chicago White Sox made it there the same way. So did Old Hoss Moyer and the Philadelphia Phillies. NEW YORK, 4:35 p.m. Oct. 1 (AP)
Mets' Santana undergoes successful knee surgery: Mets ace Johan Santana had arthroscopic surgery on torn cartilage in his left knee Wednesday and is expected to be ready for spring training. NEW YORK, 5:24 p.m. Oct. 1 (AP)
Baseball attendance drops by 1.1 percent: Major League Baseball's attendance dropped by 1.1 percent this year, ending a streak of four straight record seasons. PHILADELPHIA, 3:19 p.m. Oct. 1 (AP)
Hall, Weeks, Cameron bumble it away for Brewers: These were the Bumbling Brewers. A bobbled bunt. A dropped throw. A misplay by center fielder Mike Cameron, just when he needed one of those dazzling catches that earned him three Gold Gloves. CHICAGO, 2:59 p.m. Oct. 1 (AP)
Cubs, White Sox have Chicago jazzed for baseball: Everybody who played the last time the Cubs and the White Sox made it to the same postseason is dead. Wrigley Field wasn't even built yet; neither was Comiskey Park, the White Sox home torn down to make way for their current digs. NEW YORK, 12:44 p.m. Oct. 1 (AP)
Cashman: 'I'm staying to change the story': One day after re-signing with the Yankees, general manager Brian Cashman sat down behind a microphone and immediately was asked if he gave any serious thought to leaving. SAN FRANCISCO, 12:06 p.m. Oct. 1 (AP)
Appeals court to hear baseball steroids challenge: A federal appeals court has granted the Major League Baseball Players Association a new hearing in their challenge of the government's use of the positive drug tests of more than 100 players in its investigation of performance enhancing drugs.
ANAHEIM, 12:01 p.m. Oct. 1 (AP)
Teixeira finally gets shot at postseason: Mark Teixeira was so stoked about his first trip to the postseason, he sought out advice from some of his October-tested teammates on the Los Angeles Angels.
ST. LOUIS, 8:50 a.m. Oct. 1 (AP)Carpenter to avoid surgery: Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter will not have surgery for a nerve problem in his shoulder, hoping he'll be ready for spring training after therapy and rest.
CHICAGO, 8:07 p.m. Sept. 30 (AP)
White Sox finally a winner in AL Central: Thanks to Jim Thome's bat and Ken Griffey Jr.'s arm, the AL Central has a winner at last: the Chicago White Sox.
PHILADELPHIA, 7:09 p.m. Sept. 30 (AP)
Brewers back in Philly after nightmare series: The Milwaukee Brewers' last trip to Philadelphia was a disaster. They were swept in a four-game series and manager Ned Yost was fired the next day.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., 7:05 p.m. Sept. 30 (AP)
Rays turn kooky stadium into home-field advantage: James Shields listens to horror stories about Tropicana Field, shrugs his shoulders and smiles.
NEW YORK, 7:03 p.m. Sept. 30 (AP)
Report: Drug testers warned minor league teams: Minor league baseball teams received advance notice of drug tests this season, eight people who work in the minor leagues told The New York Times.
CHICAGO, 5:42 p.m. Sept. 30 (AP)
Torre's new story contains familiar playoff scene: Joe Torre is no longer bombarded by questions about his boss, no longer caught up in the New York tumult. One constant remains for him, though: October baseball.
NEW YORK, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 30 (AP)
Mets RHP John Maine has shoulder surgery: Mets pitcher John Maine had surgery Tuesday to remove a lesion from the back of his right shoulder socket.
ANAHEIM, 5:29 p.m. Sept. 30 (AP)
Roles reversed for Red Sox, Angels in playoffs: One of the biggest bats in the lineup is gone, the designated hitter had his worst season in years and injuries have made two starters questionable.
PHILADELPHIA, 4:17 p.m. Sept. 30 (AP)
Phillies focused on going deep after playoff flop: Chase Utley bristled at the repeated questions, Jimmy Rollins shooed away anyone who tried to ask.
CHICAGO, 3:49 p.m. Sept. 30 (AP)
Cubs pick up Piniella's option for 2010: Manager Lou Piniella plans to stick with the Chicago Cubs for a while. The Cubs picked up their $4 million option on Piniella's contract for 2010 on Tuesday, a day before the NL Central champions open the playoffs against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
NEW YORK, 3:31 p.m. Sept. 30 (AP)
Cashman gets 3-year deal to remain Yankees GM: Brian Cashman figures he has more work to do with the New York Yankees. After a sustained run of success, he wasn't about to leave on the heels of a failed season.
PHILADELPHIA, 3:07 p.m. Sept. 30 (AP)
Phils LF Burrell leave practice with back problem: Phillies outfielder Pat Burrell left Tuesday's workout because of discomfort in his lower back, a day before Philadelphia opens the NL playoffs.
PHILADELPHIA, 2:36 p.m. Sept. 30 (AP)
Cliff Lee, Brad Lidge win comeback player awards: Brad Lidge has a shot to cap his perfect season with a World Series ring. Cliff Lee should be ready to clear room in the trophy case for a Cy Young Award.
1:14 p.m. Sept. 30 (AP)
Schmidt: Angels favorite to win the World Series:
LEWISTON, Maine, 1:01 a.m. Sept. 30 (AP)
Baseball course a hit at Maine college: Landing a seat in Margaret Creighton's “Red Sox Nation” course at Bates College is nearly as difficult as scoring a playoff ticket at Fenway Park.
Sept. 30 (AP)
Red Sox Nation beginning to wear thin: OK, I'll give the Red Sox the whole nation thing. Hard not to after following Boston through the playoffs last year and watching the throngs of faithful who always seem to show up no matter where they're playing.
CHICAGO, 11:44 p.m. Sept. 29 (AP)
Ramirez slam lifts Chisox into playoff with Twins: Ozzie Guillen's advice to Alexei Ramirez with the bases loaded was to relax. Easy for the manager to say. The game was tied 2-2 and the White Sox needed a win to keep their season alive.
LOS ANGELES, 4:02 p.m. Sept. 29 (AP)
Everyone loves Manny in Los Angeles nowadays: Amid the celebration in the Dodgers' clubhouse, first baseman James Loney wore a T-shirt that said it all: “We love Manny being Manny.”
SAN FRANCISCO, 6:41 p.m. Sept. 29 (AP)
Young Giants moved on without Bonds: The Giants went young and knew it would take a while for the inexperienced players to find their way in the big leagues during the club's first season without home run king Barry Bonds.
DETROIT, 7:01 p.m. Sept. 29 (AP)Tigers flopped under the weight of high hopes: Boosted by the big deal for Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis, the Detroit Tigers started the season as a popular pick to contend for a championship. PHILADELPHIA, 4:50 p.m. Sept. 29 (AP)
Ryan Howard comes through in clutch: Ryan Howard was leaving the field after taking batting practice before a game in early May when he spotted a group of young fans standing near the Phillies dugout frantically trying to get his attention. NEW YORK, 4:13 p.m. Sept. 29 (AP)
Their season in the trash, Yankees look to future: Joe Girardi rounded the corner, bounded into the Yankees clubhouse and began dragging a big garbage can back to the manager's office. NEW YORK, 4:36 p.m. Sept. 29 (AP)
Mets try to move on after second straight collapse: For 145 games, the New York Mets mean business. The first six or seven innings each night, no trouble at all.
DENVER, 11:22 a.m. Sept. 29 (AP)
Purple's reign in NL over as Rox finish below .500: Rocktober won't get an encore. From darlings to disappointments, the Colorado Rockies never found their footing in 2008, whimpering back to 74-88.
BOSTON, 3:48 p.m. Sept. 29 (AP)Lowell, Drew take BP and could play in Game 1: Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew took batting practice on an overcast day at Fenway Park. When they were done, the outlook for Boston's two injured hitters was brighter. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., 2:23 p.m. Sept. 29 (AP)
Confident Rays expect postseason success: Playoff novices or not, the Tampa Bay Rays see no reason why they can't keep winning. “When you believe, and you've got the talent to do it,” veteran designated hitter Cliff Floyd said, “anything can happen.” PITTSBURGH, 12:00 p.m. Sept. 29 (AP)
Pirates' losing run reaches the record book: Nobody loses like the Pittsburgh Pirates do. At least the Los Angeles Clippers reach the playoffs every decade or so. The Arizona Cardinals, the NFL's most consistent losers, may be on the upswing. In the NHL, it's not uncommon for a last-place team one season to go deep into the playoffs the next. NEW YORK, 12:10 p.m. Sept. 29 (AP)
Yankees reliever Rivera to have shoulder surgery: Yankees closer Mariano Rivera will have offseason surgery on his sore right shoulder but should be ready to throw by spring training. ANAHEIM, 1:27 p.m. Sept. 29 (AP)
K-Rod's relief appearances more suspenseful: With two outs, runners on first and third and the Los Angeles Angels clinging to a ninth-inning lead, Francisco Rodriguez launches into his violent delivery. He falls off the side of the mound as his changeup approaches home plate. CHICAGO, 1:27 p.m. Sept. 29 (AP)
Cubs' Dempster gets first chance to back up assertion: On the very first day of spring training, Ryan Dempster made a bold statement. “I think we will win the World Series. I really do,” he said back in February, under a sunny Arizona sky.
MINNEAPOLIS, 2:31 p.m. Sept. 28 (AP)
Twins win, forced to wait on White Sox again: The Minnesota Twins wrapped up their regular season with a win. Up next? Another agonizing afternoon spent cheering against the Chicago White Sox.
DETROIT, 2:57 p.m. Sept. 28 (AP)Tigers fire pitching and bullpen coach: The Detroit Tigers' disappointing season cost two coaches their jobs. Manager Jim Leyland said Sunday that pitching coach Chuck Hernandez and bullpen coach Jeff Jones were fired. PHILADELPHIA, 3:41 p.m. Sept. 28 (AP)
Nationals fire 5 coaches: The last-place Washington Nationals fired five coaches on Sunday, a complete overhaul of manager Manny Acta's staff after finishing with the worst record in the majors. HOUSTON, 2:37 p.m. Sept. 28 (AP)
Chipper Jones secures first batting title: Chipper Jones walked in his only at-bat against Houston on Sunday and earned his first National League batting title, edging St. Louis' Albert Pujols. SAN FRANCISCO, 12:41 p.m. Sept. 28 (AP)
Kuo won't pitch for Dodgers in first round of playoffs: Los Angeles lefty reliever Hong-Chih Kuo will not pitch in the NL division series for the Dodgers as a precaution because of a possible condition with his circulation. PHILADELPHIA, 10:30 a.m. Sept. 28 (AP)
Manuel names Hamels Game 1 starter: Phillies ace Cole Hamels will pitch Game 1 of the division series when the NL East champions open Wednesday at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers or Milwaukee Brewers.
ST. LOUIS, 3:27 p.m. Sept. 27 (AP)
Cardinals' La Russa to bat pitcher eighth in 2009: Tony La Russa intends to bat his pitcher eighth again next season, an unorthodox strategy that the St. Louis Cardinals' manager enthusiastically believes in.
LAS VEGAS, 12:06 a.m. Sept. 27 (AP)
Pro ballplayer's story ends humbly in desert town: It was just weeks ago when my phone rang and a loud, friendly-sounding voice with a pronounced Hispanic accent came on the line.
BOSTON, 3:43 p.m. Sept. 26 (AP)
Yankees reliever Rivera considering surgery: New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera is considering whether to have offseason surgery on his sore right shoulder.
ST. LOUIS, 3:50 p.m. Sept. 26 (AP)Reds closer to undergo surgery: Reds closer Francisco Cordero had surgery Friday to remove a bone spur in his right foot, an injury that manager Dusty Baker said the pitcher has dealt with all season. SEATTLE, 3:47 p.m. Sept. 26 (AP)
Seattle's Bedard has shoulder surgery: In a season of disappointment, the Seattle Mariners got some good news Friday when surgery on the left-shoulder of pitcher Erik Bedard revealed no tears in the labrum or rotator cuff.
WASHINGTON, 2:47 p.m. Sept. 26 (AP)
Where are Nationals fans? Attendance, ratings low: Four seasons into baseball's return to the nation's capital, a resounding question hangs in the air: Where are the Washington Nationals' fans?
DETROIT, 2:58 p.m. Sept. 26 (AP)
Carl Crawford activated from disabled list by Rays: Outfielder Carl Crawford was activated from the disabled list by the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday after sitting out 1½ months because of a finger injury that required surgery.
BOSTON, 2:54 p.m. Sept. 26 (AP)
Cashman says his own negotiations won't drag out: New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman says negotiations on his own contract won't drag out long.
MINNEAPOLIS, 2:26 p.m. Sept. 26 (AP)
Slowey's MRI comes back all clear: An MRI on Minnesota Twins right-hander Kevin Slowey's pitching wrist shows no ligament damage from a line drive he took off the bat of Juan Uribe.
BOSTON, 1:54 p.m. Sept. 26 (AP)
Rain delays Sox plan to retire Pesky's No. 6: Rainy weather has delayed plans by the Red Sox to retire Johnny Pesky's number. The team has rescheduled the Fenway Park ceremony to Sunday, prior to the afternoon game against the New York Yankees.
12:31 a.m. Sept. 26 (AP)
Baseball Today: Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers (8:05 p.m. EDT). The Cubs and Ryan Dempster (17-6) close their regular season with three games against the Brewers. Jeff Suppan (10-10) will take the mound for Milwaukee, which is still fighting for the NL wild card.
NEW YORK, 8:16 p.m. Sept. 25 (AP)
Mets rally for huge walkoff win over Cubs: Carlos Beltran singled home the winning run with two outs in the ninth inning and the New York Mets rallied to beat the Chicago Cubs 7-6 on Thursday night for a huge win that halted their late-season slide.
MILWAUKEE, 8:35 p.m. Sept. 25 (AP)Braun's 10th-inning slam lifts Brewers: Ryan Braun hit a grand slam in the 10th inning, and the Milwaukee Brewers finished a sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates with a 5-1 victory Thursday night to remain tied in the NL wild-card race. MINNEAPOLIS, 9:15 p.m. Sept. 25 (AP)
2008 Twins have defied plenty of doubts: This Minnesota Twins team has scored more runs than any other during manager Ron Gardenhire's seven years, a tenure that already includes four division titles. SEATTLE, 7:20 p.m. Sept. 25 (AP)
Mariners malcontent centering on Suzuki: Things got so bad in the Seattle Mariners clubhouse during this discouraging season that one player reportedly threatened to “knock out” outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, the team's highest profile player. TORONTO, 5:32 p.m. Sept. 25 (AP)
Jays manager Gaston gets 2-year extension: Cito Gaston signed a two-year contract extension with the Toronto Blue Jays before their home finale Thursday night against the New York Yankees.
PITTSBURGH, 5:23 p.m. Sept. 24 (AP)
MLB, union reach agreement on Alvarez, Hosmer: Pedro Alvarez signed his four-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates after Major League Baseball agreed with the players' association Wednesday that management can't unilaterally extend the Aug. 15 deadline for draft picks to reach agreements with teams.
PHILADELPHIA, 8:57 a.m. Sept. 25 (AP)Vernon, 2-time AL batting champ, dies at 90: Mickey Vernon, a two-time American League batting champion with the Washington Senators and seven-time All-Star first baseman during a 20-year career in the major leagues, has died. He was 90. PHILADELPHIA, 6:03 a.m. Sept. 25 (AP)
Hot dogs outside Philly ballpark cause bomb scare: After a bomb scare at the Philadelphia Phillies' ballpark, authorities pointed the finger at a fuzzy green suspect – The Phillie Phanatic. SAN FRANCISCO, 6:01 p.m. Sept. 24 (AP)
Feds flash glimpse of Bonds trial strategy: Federal prosecutors say they will prove personal trainer Greg Anderson supplied Barry Bonds with the steroids that led to a positive test in November 2000, the offseason before the slugger hit a major league record 73 home runs.
4:21 p.m. Sept. 24 (AP)
This year's World Series could be good, bad or ugly: The big, bad Yankees are finally out and for that most of the country can be grateful. Instead of constantly hearing about the ghosts of past greats at Yankee Stadium, this postseason we can focus on the present at not-so-historic Tropicana Field.
NEW YORK, 5:01 p.m. Sept. 24 (AP)Piniella could manage Cubs beyond 2009: Lou Piniella plans on managing the Chicago Cubs next year and could stay around longer. “I've got a year to go on my contract and we'll see where it goes from there,” the 65-year-old said before Wednesday's game against the New York Mets. “But I'm not looking five or six years ahead or four or five years ahead, put it that way. DETROIT, 10:59 a.m. Sept. 24 (AP)
Tigers reliever Todd Jones announces retirement: Tigers reliever Todd Jones is retiring, he announced in his own column in the Sporting News. “So this is it,” he wrote in the latest issue of the magazine. “If you're a Tigers fan, I'll never stress you out again. If you're not a Tigers fan, you'll never have me as your ace in the hole, convinced I'll blow a lead against your team.”
NEW YORK, 12:05 p.m. Sept. 23 (AP)
Spring training will expand by 6 days: Spring training is expanding by nearly a week next year because of the World Baseball Classic.
ST. LOUIS, 6:05 p.m. Sept. 23 (AP)Surgery for compressed nerve likely for Carpenter: A specialist recommended injured Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter undergo surgery for a compressed nerve in his shoulder, a procedure the team believes could have their ace back by spring training. MILWAUKEE, 6:07 p.m. Sept. 23 (AP)
Brewers rotation in the air beyond Sabathia: Brewers interim manager Dale Sveum said he plans to pitch CC Sabathia again on short rest Wednesday. TAMPA, Fla., 5:08 p.m. Sept. 23 (AP)
Hank Steinbrenner has emotional time with his dad: Hank Steinbrenner was all set to attend the final regular-season game at Yankee Stadium. Then he decided it was more important to watch it someplace else – with his dad, on TV. BOSTON, 3:27 p.m. Sept. 23 (AP)
Red Sox plan to retire Pesky's No. 6: The Red Sox will retire Johnny Pesky's number on Friday night, putting his No. 6 on the upper deck facade alongside those of teammates Ted Williams and Bobby Doerr. HOUSTON, 1:46 p.m. Sept. 23 (AP)
Astros' Lee contributes to agriculture after Ike: Carlos Lee looked down from a helicopter and saw cattle swimming through floodwaters. He saw farms and ranches devastated by Hurricane Ike, and knew he had to help. RENO, Nev., 5:53 p.m. Sept. 23 (AP)
Minor league baseball team named the Reno Aces: Owners of a minor league baseball team moving to Reno announced Tuesday that the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks will be named the Aces and begin the 2009 season in a new downtown stadium in April. LAS VEGAS, 11:15 a.m. Sept. 23 (AP)
51s new Triple-A affiliate of Toronto Blue Jays: The Toronto Blue Jays have signed a two-year agreement with the Las Vegas 51s, making the Pacific Coast League team its Triple-A affiliate. NEW YORK, 8:24 a.m. Sept. 23 (AP)
Testimony called off as Pirates-Alvarez deal nears: Testimony was called off Tuesday as lawyers tried to complete a $6,355,000, four-year contract between third baseman Pedro Alvarez and the Pittsburgh Pirates and a settlement of a grievance filed by the players' union. FUKUOKA, Japan, 6:18 a.m. Sept. 23 (AP)
Oh to step down at end of season: Japanese baseball great Sadaharu Oh will step down as manager of the Softbank Hawks at the end of the 2008 season. NEW YORK, 3:56 a.m. Sept. 23 (AP)
18 arrested for stealing pieces of Yankee Stadium: New York City police say they arrested more than a dozen people for stealing pieces of Yankee Stadium during the 85-year-old ballpark's final game.
TIM DAHLBERG, 12:44 a.m. Sept. 23 (AP)
Stadium closing would have gotten Babe's approval: The last pitch had been thrown at Yankee Stadium, and the players were saying their final goodbyes. Up in the stands, a few normally hard-bitten New Yorkers appeared to be getting a little teary-eyed over it all.
ST. LOUIS, 9:58 p.m. Sept. 22 (AP)Former Cardinal Eckstein returns to St. Louis: Cardinals manager Tony La Russa applauded and exchanged salutes with 2006 World Series MVP David Eckstein while the Arizona Diamondbacks' second baseman was getting a lengthy ovation before his first at-bat in the second inning on Monday night. NEW YORK, 5:49 p.m. Sept. 22 (AP)
Cubs juggle rotation to prepare for playoffs: The Chicago Cubs adjusted their pitching rotation this week to prepare for the first round of the playoffs.
DETROIT, 3:26 p.m. Sept. 22 (AP)
Carmona, Sheffield, 2 others suspended for brawl: Cleveland pitcher Fausto Carmona was suspended six games and Detroit slugger Gary Sheffield was penalized four games Monday for their brawl last week.
WASHINGTON, 1:44 p.m. Sept. 22 (AP)
Washington Nationals nearing 100 losses: Nationals president Stan Kasten, GM Jim Bowden and manager Manny Acta all love to throw around the word “progress.”
PITTSBURGH, 12:55 p.m. Sept. 22 (AP)
Pirates-Alvarez deal could end MLB-union dispute: The Pittsburgh Pirates are nearing agreement on a $6.4 million, four-year contract with their top draft pick that would end a contentious two-month dispute that led the players' union to file a grievance against the commissioner's office.
1:30 p.m. Sept. 21 (AP)
So many years, so many memories at Yankee Stadium: Ask Mariano Rivera or Rudy Giuliani or any of those legions of fans who love the pinstripes, and they can describe every detail of Aaron Boone's home run that shook Yankee Stadium.
CHICAGO, 1:54 p.m. Sept. 20 (AP)Piniella tired of World Series talk: Cubs manager Lou Piniella tried to deflate some of the expectations surrounding the NL Central leaders on Saturday, saying he has trouble understanding why people insist his team is built to win the World Series.
BUFFALO, N.Y., 3:09 p.m. Sept. 19 (AP)
Schumer: Mets-Bisons 'a natural marriage': Sen. Charles Schumer beat the official announcement with word that the New York Mets will be the Buffalo Bisons' parent club next season.
CHICAGO, 2:52 p.m. Sept. 19 (AP)
Cards knock out Zambrano, delay Cub celebration: Carlos Zambrano went from a no-hitter to an early exit, so the Chicago Cubs will have to wait another day to clinch the National League Central.
MIAMI, 1:15 p.m. Sept. 19 (AP)
A-Rod, wife reach divorce settlement: It's over for A-Rod and his wife of more than five years. With a prenuptial agreement in place, lawyers for the couple confirmed Friday that a settlement was reached less than three months after Cynthia Rodriguez first filed for divorce from New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez.
NEW YORK, 1:00 p.m. Sept. 19 (AP)
Mets win coin flip against Brewers for tiebreaker: The New York Mets won a coin flip with the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday and would host a tiebreaker for the NL wild card on Sept. 29 if the teams finish with identical records and a game is needed to decide a postseason berth.
CHICAGO, 12:24 p.m. Sept. 19 (AP)
Kennedy sees days with Cardinals dwindling: Cardinals second baseman Adam Kennedy expects this to be his last season with St. Louis. “I'm probably not going to be here (next year),” he said Friday before the Cardinals played the Cubs.
CHICAGO, 10:45 a.m. Sept. 19 (AP)
Cubs' Soto scratched with sore hand: All-Star catcher Geovany Soto has been scratched from the Cubs' lineup against the St. Louis Cardinals because of a sore left hand and is day to day.
NEW YORK, 10:34 a.m. Sept. 19 (AP)
Fans on field before Yankee Stadium finale: Fans will be allowed to walk on Yankee Stadium's field for three hours before the ballpark's final game Sunday.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., 10:17 a.m. Sept. 19 (AP)
Question for 1st-place Rays: Where are the fans?: They are getting closer to the playoffs and are one of baseball's best stories this year. The Tampa Bay Rays' bandwagon, however, rattles along with plenty of empty seats.
CHICAGO, 3:41 p.m. Sept. 18 (AP)
Lee's 12th-inning single lifts Cubs over fading Brewers: Geovany Soto hit a tying three-run homer with two out in the ninth inning, Derrek Lee singled in the winning run in the 12th and the Chicago Cubs beat the Milwaukee Brewers 7-6 on Thursday to move closer to the NL Central title.
OAKLAND, 12:21 p.m. Sept. 18 (AP)Duchscherer might be done for the season: Oakland Athletics All-Star right-hander Justin Duchscherer might be done for the season. Duchscherer threw 10 pitches in a simulated game Thursday before spiking the ball to the ground in frustration after feeling pain in his strained right hip. KANSAS CITY, Mo., 12:17 p.m. Sept. 18 (AP)
Selig likes KC's All-Star chances: Flying in for a meeting in Kansas City, baseball commissioner Bud Selig wondered how long it would be before he was asked about renovated Kauffman Stadium holding an All-Star game.
CHICAGO, 11:59 a.m. Sept. 18 (AP)
Brewers not sure about Sheets' pitching status: The Milwaukee Brewers were counting on Ben Sheets to make two more starts over the final 10 games as they try to overcome a September slide and reach the playoffs.
BOSTON, 11:51 a.m. Sept. 18 (AP)Schilling blasts Ramirez for attitude in Boston: Injured Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling said former teammate Manny Ramirez's behavior in Boston was a drain on his teammates and disrespectful to manager Terry Francona. PITTSBURGH, 11:47 a.m. Sept. 18 (AP)
Garciaparra's knee better after stumble: Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Nomar Garciaparra did not badly injure his left knee while stumbling on the basepaths and could be ready to play this weekend against San Francisco. CLEVELAND, 10:26 a.m. Sept. 18 (AP)
Source: Indians tap Columbus for new affiliate: The Cleveland Indians have agreed to terms on a four-year deal with the Columbus Clippers, who will be the club's top minor league affiliate. WASHINGTON, 10:05 a.m. Sept. 18 (AP)
Yankee Stadium deal criticized by lawmakers: A congressional panel has taken tough swings at the New York Yankees and New York City government over a new stadium for the Yankees. But neither the team nor the city budged from their positions on the $1.3 billion structure. KANSAS CITY, Mo., 9:19 p.m. Sept. 17 (AP)
Ichiro ties 200-hit season mark: Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki matched Willie Keeler's major league record of eight straight 200-hit seasons Wednesday night, beating out on infield single in the eighth inning for his third hit against Kansas City.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., 7:47 p.m. Sept. 17 (AP)
Rays rout Red Sox to extend lead in AL East: Willy Aybar, Gabe Gross and Fernando Perez homered off Tim Wakefield and the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays beat the Boston Red Sox 10-3 Wednesday night to move closer to their first playoff berth.
NEW YORK, 6:49 p.m. Sept. 17 (AP)Yankees' empire crumbles in 2008: The New York Yankees' season has gone so badly, the wife of team president Randy Levine taped bubble wrap around the TV remotes to keep the furniture from getting damaged. CHICAGO, 9:06 p.m. Sept. 17 (AP)
Sheets leaves early with sore elbow: Milwaukee Brewers starter Ben Sheets left Wednesday night's game against the Chicago Cubs after only two innings with pain in his right elbow. NEW YORK, 9:22 p.m. Sept. 17 (AP)
McNamee again asks judge to toss Clemens lawsuit: Brian McNamee responded to Roger Clemens by again asking a federal judge to toss out the pitcher's defamation suit or move it to a New York court. OAKLAND, 5:11 p.m. Sept. 17 (AP)
Athletics' Ellis will have shoulder surgery: Oakland Athletics second baseman Mark Ellis will undergo surgery on his right shoulder Friday back home in Arizona.
NEW YORK, 10:04 a.m. Sept. 17 (AP)
Mets' Citi Field opener moved up a day to April 13: The New York Mets' Citi Field opener will be Monday, April 13, a day earlier than originally planned, and the new ballpark will open with a night game.
WASHINGTON, 4:13 p.m. Sept. 17 (AP)Last-place Nationals shut down 4 players for 2008: Austin Kearns, Dmitri Young, Ronnie Belliard and Jesus Flores are being shut down by the Washington Nationals for the rest of the season because of injuries.
ATLANTA, 8:21 p.m. Sept. 16 (AP)
Howard rallies Phils into first place in NL East: Ryan Howard rallied the Philadelphia Phillies back into first place, hitting a go-ahead homer in the eighth inning for his fourth hit in an 8-7 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night.
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y., 3:13 p.m. Sept. 16 (AP)
Torre, Santo and Hodges on Hall of Fame ballot: Joe Torre, Ron Santo and Gil Hodges are among 10 players on the latest Hall of Fame ballot for Veterans Committee voters.
OKLAHOMA CITY, 8:01 p.m. Sept. 16 (AP)Sacramento repeats as Triple-A champs: Brooks Conrad and Donnie Murphy each had two hits and drove in a run Tuesday night to help the Sacramento River Cats beat the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees 4-1 and win the Triple-A championship game for the second straight year. CHICAGO, 4:51 p.m. Sept. 16 (AP)
Sveum ready after hectic 24 hours: Dale Sveum answered the phone and in a matter of seconds his baseball life changed dramatically. He was suddenly and suprisingly the interim manager of the Milwaukee Brewers after Ned Yost was fired with 12 games to go.
MILWAUKEE, 12:24 a.m. Sept. 16 (AP)
Brewers fire manager Yost in midst of playoff race: Firing the manager of a skidding playoff contender with only 12 games left in the regular season is unprecedented in baseball. It's the front-office equivalent of a suicide squeeze play.
BOSTON, 3:15 p.m. Sept. 16 (AP)Red Sox, GM Epstein near agreement on extension: Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein is nearing an agreement on a contract extension, team owner John Henry said Tuesday.
ALBANY, N.Y., 11:37 a.m. Sept. 16 (AP)
NY lawmaker: Yankee subsidies hit taxpayers, fans: Taxpayers and ticket buyers are the losers in plans to provide hundreds of millions of dollars in public subsidies to build the new Yankee Stadium, a New York lawmaker said Tuesday.
MILWAUKEE, 9:39 a.m. Sept. 16 (AP)
Fired Yost says he has no regrets managing Brewers: Former Brewers manager Ned Yost says he feels he accomplished everything he set out to do except for taking Milwaukee to the playoffs.
NEW YORK, 8:03 p.m. Sept. 15 (AP)Mets struggle, fans worry: Is it happening again?: Now living in the Netherlands, lifelong Mets fan Austin Dooley does everything he can to follow their games. NEW YORK, 5:46 p.m. Sept. 15 (AP)
Yankees bench Cano again for not hustling: Robinson Cano was benched again by the New York Yankees on Monday night for not hustling after a ball the previous day. MINNEAPOLIS, 1:53 p.m. Sept. 15 (AP)
Target gets naming rights to new Twins stadium: The Minnesota Twins will call their new ballpark Target Field. The baseball team and Target Corp. announced Monday an agreement in principle on an exclusive 25-year partnership that includes naming rights to the Twins' new stadium, scheduled to open for the 2010 season just across from Target Center, home to the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves. PHILADELPHIA, 12:16 p.m. Sept. 15 (AP)
Perfect Lidge keeps Phillies in contention: Brad Lidge knows how tough it is for opposing relievers to warm up in Philadelphia's cozy ballpark. It can be uncomfortable for Phillies pitchers, too, if they're not doing well. NEW YORK, 12:26 p.m. Sept. 15 (AP)
Posada: Chamberlain should stay in bullpen: Jorge Posada wants Joba Chamberlain kept in the bullpen and predicts more injuries for the young pitcher if the New York Yankees put him their starting rotation.
