Padres appear to have edge in Wells talks  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — David Wells is still scheduled to face Toronto's Roy Halladay tonight at Fenway Park when the Red Sox begins a 10-game homestand, but barring a last-minute change of heart by general manager Theo Epstein, it's likely …

Center of intrigue  —  Who is the team to beat in baseball's best race?  —  There are pennant races, and then there are pennant races.  —  The National League wild-card derby is an example of a close race that is existentially meaningless, like the debate over Pluto's loss of planetary status …

Good news for Papi — Sources say Ortiz passes heart tests, out of hospital  —  David Ortiz' heart appears healthy and he could be on the field as early as next week, based on test results yesterday that could finally give Sox fans a reason to cheer, a source said.

Rivera and Giambi Taking Medical Tests  —  Mariano Rivera and Jason Giambi played in yesterday's doubleheader, so their health status is not alarming to the Yankees.  But the team was concerned enough about them to schedule magnetic resonance imaging exams.

David's grand slam leads another rout, dispels talk of slump  —  DENVER - Maybe now the questions will stop for David Wright.  For weeks, Wright heard that his deepening slump was caused by everything from the home-run derby to his new $55-million contract to using the wrong toothbrush.

Mets' Offense Stands Out, but Defense Is Overlooked  —  For the last 11 games, the Mets have fielded every ground ball cleanly, caught every fly ball without incident and thrown every ball on target.  And yet over the same span, the most prominent story lines have centered on David Wright's slump …

on the routs  —  buster olney thinks the padres are gonna get david wells for catcher george kottaras, one of their best prospects —  in fact, the best padre prospect, according to baseball prospectus: … a few weeks ago, kevin goldstein rated him the 6th-best catching prospect in the minors.

Position Breakdown: Right-Handed Starters  —  With nearly one-third of all rosters consisting of right-handed pitchers, I decided to take this list up to 20.  As always, to be eligible for the rankings, one must be in the minor leagues currently, so a guy like Matt Garza is not eligible.

Sox tickets?  Suddenly, they're not so hot  —  As team slides, demand cools and deals abound  —  Just a few weeks ago, it was a nearly impossible ticket to get — the Red Sox at home.  Now, tickets to Sox games are not only available, they can be had for face value or less.

Rangers owner looks ahead to winter  —  Owner not conceding AL West, but hot A's are pulling away  —  ARLINGTON - Rangers owner Tom Hicks won't concede the AL West race.  But he sure did come close Wednesday.  —  Returning to Ameriquest Field after watching his team lose two of three …

Cards' Bennett leaves with back sprain  —  Cleared to play, Molina takes over despite strained right elbow  —  ST. LOUIS — Bad news collided with good news for the Cardinals catchers on Wednesday night.  —  Yadier Molina was cleared to play on Wednesday afternoon after missing five games with a muscle strain in his right elbow.

Marshall likely back in rotation Saturday  —  PITTSBURGH — Starter Sean Marshall is expected to make his return Saturday after rehabbing a strained oblique muscle that has had him on the disabled list since July 23.  —  How the Cubs intend to fit Wade Miller in the rotation the rest …

Back in the Bay  —  Ultimately, Bonds will end up back with Giants for '07  —  Barry Bonds will be back with the Giants next year, taking aim at Hank Aaron.  There isn't a done deal, an agreement or even a handshake.  It's just common sense.  —  Bonds wants to return to the Giants …

Last call threatens Jimbo's  —  A restaurant favored by White Sox players and fans alike may have to shut down  —  One of the stories shared Wednesday at Jimbo's over a beer and an Italian beef involved the night a few regulars had to talk former White Sox manager Terry Bevington into going home …

West Virginia Powers Year-End All-Stars  —  The South Atlantic League released its annual all-star team yesterday as voted on by the league's managers, coaches and broadcasters.  Augusta second baseman Eugenio Velez was named to the team as well as the league's MVP.

For the Books, Nationals Face History Questions  —  Records by Senators, Expos Are at Issue  —  Over the final month of the season, Washington Nationals left fielder Alfonso Soriano will almost certainly hit at least two more home runs.  When he does, he'll establish a franchise record — most homers in a season.