Marlins magic continues, though few take notice  —  The biggest baseball story of the year doesn't concern the Yankees and Red Sox or Barry Bonds and steroids.  —  It's right here in South Florida, the tale of The Little Team That Could — and the market that couldn't care less.

Mental toughness?  Hicks should re-think that  —  Straight up: Tom Hicks is not a bad owner.  The Rangers have done worse, anyway.  No matter what else you may think, teeth grinding, Hicks fulfills fundamental necessities: He's got money, and he's willing to spend it.  —  He usually doesn't get in the way much, either.

Tigers unconditionally release Young  —  Club lists veteran's on-field performance as basis for decision  —  DETROIT — A three-hour, nine-minute rain delay left seemingly no end to the Tigers' afternoon on Wednesday.  By the time it was over, however, so was Dmitri Young's five-year tenure with the club.

Nats Win Topsy-Turvy Game Against Cards  —  WASHINGTON — Jose Vidro picked a good time to start getting clutch hits for the Nationals.  —  Vidro ended a game of comebacks, lining a two-run single in the bottom of the ninth inning Wednesday to give Washington a 7-6 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.

Yanks send best wishes to Lester  —  KANSAS CITY - It sometimes seems as if the rivalry between the Yankees and Red Sox knows no bounds, but there is always a time for perspective.  The Bombers sent a bouquet of flowers to ailing Sox pitcher Jon Lester last week, sending along their best …

A tale of 2 Mets' rookies  —  NEW YORK — One is hoping to earn a spot on the postseason roster.  The other really is just happy to be here.  —  Among the six players the Mets recalled from the minor leagues Tuesday were two rookies who have very different viewpoints on the final month of the 2006 regular season.

Zambrano OK, but on close watch  —  MRI reveals no major back damage, but next start undetermined  —  CHICAGO — Carlos Zambrano may pitch again this season, depending on how his back feels.  —  The Cubs right-hander underwent an MRI on Tuesday after complaining of stiffness in his back the day before.

Notes: Mulder to undergo surgery  —  Second opinion confirms shoulder and rotator cuff problems  —  WASHINGTON — The second opinion on Mark Mulder's shoulder confirmed the first.  The Cardinals announced on Wednesday that Mulder will undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair fraying in his left rotator cuff.

For Bucs, numbers don't lie  —  TRIBUNE-REVIEW  —  CHICAGO - Jason Bay had never heard of the statistical category called "runs created," so he had no way of knowing that his total of 90 paced the Pirates.  —  "That's great ... if it's even a stat people put stock into," …

Delgado a Clemente Award candidate  —  First baseman honors idol with both number and deeds  —  NEW YORK — Behind the expression that could scare a dark alley as well as any pitcher is one of the game's genuinely caring and philanthropic people.  The curve of Carlos Delgado's brow often softens into part of a smile.

Great Leap Forward, American League  —  This is part one of a four part series in which we'll look at which players saw their stock rise and fall the post in each organization.  We start today with the American League, and the good.  These are not the best players in the system by any means …