As Howard gives chase, Maris is still the man  —  If Ryan Howard clubs nine more home runs this season, giving him 62, then the Philadelphia Phillies first baseman should be recognized as the single-season, 162-game home run champion.  —  It's as simple as that.

Attendence, Cubs hit rock bottom  —  Smallest crowd of '06 sees Cubs fumble their way to cellar  —  Wrigley Field looked like a time warp Tuesday night as the Cubs fell into the basement of the National League Central with a 6-5 loss to Pittsburgh.  —  The announced crowd of 31,494 …

Trio of White Sox battling discomfort  —  Buehrle and Jenks sent to Chicago for exams; Dye sits  —  BOSTON — Even with the addition of five callups from Triple-A Charlotte since Friday, the White Sox found themselves a bit short-handed for the second game of a three-game series at Fenway Park on Tuesday night.

Papelbon has fatigued shoulder  —  After rest, closer will begin strengthening program  —  BOSTON — The worst fears of the Red Sox and their passionate fans were put to rest on Tuesday night, when it was announced that there is nothing structurally wrong with the prized right shoulder of star rookie closer Jonathan Papelbon.

Teahen out to have surgery  —  Third baseman is done for year because of torn labrum in shoulder.  German, Keppinger to take his spot.  —  Before Mark Teahen took the field Tuesday night, he knew it was going to be his last game of the season.  —  Teahen will undergo season-ending surgery Friday …

Nationals comeback not in the cards  —  Washington misses late-inning opportunities against St. Louis  —  WASHINGTON — Comeback wins have been the norm for the Nationals of late.  Of their five consecutive victories entering Tuesday's action, four of them were of the come-from-behind variety late in the game.

Moehler will start for Nolasco again  —  MIAMI GARDENS — Pitcher Brian Moehler's season is coming full circle.  —  The veteran right-hander will make his second straight start Saturday in place of rookie right-hander Ricky Nolasco, who is recovering from soreness behind his right knee.

Nationals recall lefthander Mike O'Connor from Triple-A New Orleans; reinstate righthander Felix Rodriguez from 60-day disabled list  —  Outfielder Jose Guillen transferred to the 60-day DL  —  The Washington Nationals today recalled left-handed pitcher Mike O'Connor from Triple-A New Orleans.

Angels walk off with win in 10th  —  Kennedy comes through with a three-run homer  —  ANAHEIM — As Juan Rivera was temporarily placed on the shelf Tuesday afternoon, the Angels were once again sent on a search for an extra bat.  —  Though Rivera's strained left hand should heal within …

Jays must spend wisely after bumping payroll  —  Blue Jays owner Ted Rogers agrees with his general manager, J.P. Ricciardi, who doesn't think the team can make the post-season out of the American League East with a payroll of $70 million.  —  Rogers, the president of Canadian media titan …

.500 Isn't Happening  —  Van Slyke commenting on the Stats Geek: … Van Slyke goes on to say that he has no faith that the Pirates' management will do what it should take to make that happen.  (Neither do I, obviously.)  —  There's no need for cold water here - the fire's not exactly …

A's claim Williams; no call-up angers Pie  —  One of the major miscalculations the Cubs made last winter was depending on Jerome Williams to make the rotation.  —  After a poor start in April and an inconsistent four months at Triple-A Iowa, the Williams saga ended Tuesday when Oakland claimed him on waivers.

Hicks: Rangers lack leadership, mental toughness  —  OAKLAND - Taking a page from the George Steinbrenner School of Management, in which any time is a good time to challenge players, Rangers owner Tom Hicks said Tuesday that his team has lacked mental toughness and leadership this season.