Future's Cliff hanger  —  Floyd: Achilles just won't heal  —  Cliff Floyd would have been out of the Mets' lineup for the second consecutive game last night had heavy rains not made their scheduled game a doubleheader against the Braves today.  —  Floyd, who was activated last week …

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.

Cards Notebook: Albert's homers are clutch  —  More Albert  —  Locked in a race for MVP with the Philadelphia Phillies' Ryan Howard, Albert Pujols finds himself at a disadvantage in home runs and RBIs.  However, he has no competition in what his home runs have meant.

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.

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.

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 …

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.

O'Connor Gets the Start Over Traber  —  This much we know: Left-hander Mike O'Connor was recalled from Class AAA New Orleans yesterday by the Washington Nationals, and he will start today's homestand-ending game against the St. Louis Cardinals.  —  That's the simple part of the equation.

No Setbacks for Rivera; No Concerns for Torre  —  When the subject is Mariano Rivera, Yankees Manager Joe Torre puts his faith in the results of last Thursday's magnetic resonance imaging exam.  Since that test showed no structural damage to Rivera's elbow — only a mild muscle strain — Torre said he was not worried.

Notes: Arias to sit and learn  —  Talented shortstop will see plenty of pine behind Young  —  OAKLAND — Triple-A Oklahoma shortstop Joaquin Arias joined the Rangers on Tuesday and Michael Young was one of the first to greet him with a handshake/embrace.  —  It was an interesting moment …

Cardinals group visits Bush  —  WASHINGTON — On the same day that he gave a major speech regarding the nation's war on terror, President George W. Bush hosted a contingent of Cardinals in the Oval Office on Tuesday morning.  —  Bush, former general partner of the Texas Rangers and a close friend …

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 …

Baker receives major promotion  —  Outfielder enjoyed big year for Sky Sox  —  San Diego - If Jeff Baker can excel at multitasking, he might have a spot on the Rockies' 25-man roster next season.  —  Baker, right-handed pitchers Denny Bautista and Ubaldo Jimenez, left-handers Mike Venafro …