The case for Jeter  —  In 1950, the last time a New York Yankees shortstop won the most valuable player award, Phil Rizzuto edged a deep and talented field despite lacking gaudy statistics.  —  Rizzuto got the nod because writers recognized his contributions that went beyond the box score.

The chase for 62  —  It's time to celebrate Howard's run at Maris' old mark  —  We don't need the pregame news conferences in front of the national media.  We don't need the specially numbered baseballs with the watermark that can be seen only under an ultraviolet light.

Winning hit was child's play  —  Walkoff homer a real throwback  —  I was Tony Conigliaro, with the wide stance and bat cocked high, shaping the No. 25 with duct tape on the back of a white T-shirt.  —  You were Fred Lynn making great catches against an imaginary wall, or Jim Rice hitting sizzling line drives over the Green Monster.

Cruz control: Rangers rout A's, 8-1  —  OAKLAND, Calif. - Labor Day traditionally means two things for the Rangers: the end of summer and the start of looking to next season.  —  At least Monday, gazing into the future provided a vista as pretty as sunset at the Golden Gate Bridge.

Notes: Billingsley not yet ready to start  —  Dodgers unsure of Friday night starter against Mets at Shea  —  MILWAUKEE — It's still not known who will start Friday when the Dodgers play the Mets at Shea Stadium on Friday night, but it won't be Chad Billingsley.

Best deadline deal?  Maddux to Dodgers  —  Was there really a time when we debated whether Greg Maddux could be an asset for a contender?  Why didn't we just ask if the earth was round, if poker was on television and if Will Ferrell had a movie in production?

Tejada Remains Topic of Interest  —  If the Angels had their way, Miguel Tejada would have played third base for them on Monday, not shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles.  But, as the teams engaged in trade talks in July, Tejada said he had no interest in playing third base.

Notes: Martinez rejoins Mets  —  Ace will continue rehab, could start by mid-September  —  NEW YORK — Pedro Martinez rejoined the Mets on Monday, and though there is still no immediate timetable for his return to the mound, the team is pleased with the ace's progress and expects him back later this month.

Under The Knife  —  Three FAQs  —  Real life has been intruding on baseball a bit much lately.  We all got the shock of Jon Lester's diagnosis, one that hit home for me and for many in the Red Sox organization.  The yellow "Livestrong" band I wear isn't just in support of cancer research …

Embraced by the fans  —  Taguchi signed a $3 million, three-year contract with the Cardinals and was introduced on January 9, 2002.  He prepared a short speech in English for the press conference, and the fans embraced him, lining up for his autograph in such large numbers at the Cardinals Winter Warm-up that Emiko cried.

Cubs complete trade with Minnesota and make three other moves  —  The Chicago Cubs today acquired right-handed pitcher Adam Harben from the Minnesota Twins to complete the trade which sent Phil Nevin to Minnesota on August 31.  In addition, the Cubs have recalled right-handed pitcher Jae Kuk Ryu …

HOMEMLBNEWS STORYWright, Reyes to lead MLB tour in Japan  —  TOKYO (AP) - New York Mets infielders David Wright and Jose Reyes will lead a team of major league players on an exhibition tour of Japan in November, Major League Baseball officials said Tuesday.  —  Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies …

Baseball Without Strikes?  Talks Could Make It Happen  —  PROBABLY the biggest surprise in all of the years I have written about baseball was not the Red Sox' comeback against the Yankees in the 2004 postseason, or the Diamondbacks' victory over the Yankees in the ninth inning of Game 7 …

Towers and Bochy: the Padres' compadres  —  PHOENIX — It's nearly midnight in the desert.  The San Diego Padres' clubhouse has been empty for two hours, but Kevin Towers and Bruce Bochy once again are last to leave.  —  They're in no hurry.  Towers, the Padres' general manager …