Pirates Notebook: Payroll will not change much, McClatchy says  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  ST. LOUIS — The Pirates' ownership has yet to have formal discussions about the 2007 player payroll, but the maximum should be close to the roughly $48 million of this season …

Cubs want Wood—for less money, in relief  —  Although the Cubs will decline their $13.5 million option on Kerry Wood, they are continuing with his rehabilitation plan as if he will be pitching for them in the future.  —  When asked if Wood would be ready for spring training …

Beltran hurt after making great catch  —  X-rays are negative, center fielder is listed as day-to-day  —  HOUSTON — The Mets received word late Saturday that X-rays on Carlos Beltran were negative, hours after their center fielder had injured his left knee crashing into a chain-link fence in left-center field at Minute Maid Park

Bell Is the Designated Flier for the Mets This Season  —  When departing passengers in New York or Norfolk, Va., spot Heath Bell in the airport, they sometimes do not know what to say.  —  Did he get promoted again?  Did he get sent down again?  A high-five and a good luck or a sorry, you'll get 'em next time?

Hunter seeks no-trade contract  —  Center fielder wants extension but is not optimistic Twins will grant his request  —  NEW YORK — Twins center fielder Torii Hunter said Friday that he's not optimistic about the possibility of negotiating a contract extension with the Twins, in part because of one stipulation he would require.

Giles might need heart surgery  —  Philadelphia — Marcus Giles will return to Atlanta Sunday for tests to determine whether he has a heart-valve condition that might require surgery.  The second baseman was examined by a Philadelphia doctor Saturday and told that he might need a procedure …

D-Backs to change look in 2007  —  Red, sand and black will be Arizona's new color scheme  —  PHOENIX — Like a snake shedding its skin, the Diamondbacks will have a fresh look in 2007.  —  After years of studying the issue, the D-Backs will change their color scheme to a red …

Reds-Padres Preview  —  MORTON GROVE, Ill. (AP) -The Cincinnati Reds have picked a bad time to move within one defeat of their longest losing streak in 16 months.  —  Cincinnati (67-67) looks to avoid falling further back in the NL wild-card standings when it opens a three-game set Friday …

Notes: Bell's future not in question  —  Sanders has no tear; Braun reports for first stint  —  KANSAS CITY — Never mind any rumors to the contrary.  There is no reason to believe that Buddy Bell won't return as the Royals manager into 2007.  —  "There's no reason at all," said general manager Dayton Moore.

Orioles hold off late charge to snap A's home win streak  —  CBS SportsLine.com wire reports  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — Miguel Tejada forgot how many outs there were in one inning and closer Chris Ray committed a throwing error in the ninth.  Both players overcame their miscues to help Baltimore get a tough road win.

Month of meaning for Rangers  —  ARLINGTON - September is a fickle month for baseball lovers.  It can arrive full of promise and poetry, as it did Friday in New York and St. Louis, in Detroit and Chicago, in Los Angeles and Minneapolis.  —  It's a month for dreamers and broken hearts …

Kouzmanoff hits grand slam in first AB  —  ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Kevin Kouzmanoff hit a grand slam on the first pitch he saw in the majors only hours after the Cleveland Indians purchased his contract from Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday.  —  Kouzmanoff was the designated hitter in place of Travis Hafner …

Astros look like bigger threat than Reds  —  As a primer to watching September baseball, one might look much closer at the perennially tormenting Houston Astros rather than the Cincinnati Reds as the team that possibly could run down the Cardinals for the National League Central Division championship.

Phillies Schedule Doubleheader Tomorrow  —  Game 1 of single-admission twin bill at 1:35 p.m. ET  —  Friday night's postponed game against the Atlanta Braves has been rescheduled as part of a traditional doubleheader tomorrow (Sunday, September 3), two games for the price of one.