Randolph Goes With Plan B as Mets' A-Minus Squad Wins  —  It took until 2:30 a.m. yesterday for a cleaning crew to scrub and polish and vacuum the Mets' clubhouse until not a trace of the celebratory detritus remained.  —  There were no corks or cigar wrappers lying around, no alcohol stains, funky odors or broken glass.

A sparring session  —  Towers's remarks set off Mirabelli  —  Doug Mirabelli defended himself yesterday from what he termed an ``assassination directly at my character for unprovoked reasons" by Padres general manager Kevin Towers, who was quoted in Monday's San Diego Union-Tribune …

Bonser faces off vs. Schilling  —  Minnesota (89-61) at Boston (81-70), 6:05 p.m .CT  —  When the Twins faced the Red Sox for the first time this season back in the middle of June, they looked at it as a critical series.  —  The Twins knew they had to start winning those types of series …

Pedro remains key to Mets' hopes in October  —  NEW YORK — The party at Shea was still raging out on the field, with the Mets and family members celebrating the franchise's first Eastern Division title since 1988.  Hundreds of fans hung around to savor the moment on Monday night, too …

Firing Buck would be folly  —  ARLINGTON - Dropped by The Ballpark on Tuesday night, probably for the last time this season.  Just to say goodbye to another year, to hopes dashed again...and to Buck Showalter.  —  You know, just in case.  —  I don't think Showalter will be fired, and I know he shouldn't be.

Giambi, Torre get tough with A-Rod  —  The Yankees' magic number to clinch the AL East is 1.  Fitting, because the defending AL MVP seems to be all alone in the Bronx Bombers' clubhouse.  —  In a story in this week's Sports Illustrated, Alex Rodriguez is portrayed as a loner on the AL's best team …

Powerful bats back super Perez  —  Rookie one-hits Atlanta in first appearance as starter  —  WASHINGTON — For the first time in a long time, the Nationals have solid starters in their Minor League system.  One of them is already in the big leagues.  Right-hander Beltran Perez …

Angels' Moreno: Expect Changes  —  Before team's 5-2 win over Kansas City, owner vows to do `something major' to improve the chances of making a serious run at a championship next season.  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It won't rival Babe Ruth's Called Shot during the 1932 World Series …

WHAT WENT WRONG?  —  Teams that coulda been a contender...  In the Acadamy-Award-winning film, Terry was a prizefighter who felt his brother Charley kept him from being a contender.  This year in Major League Baseball, there are many teams that fit right into Terry's boxing boots.

Peavy, Duncan have early spat  —  LOS ANGELES - Considering what came later, the verbal flare-up between Padres pitcher Jake Peavy and Los Angeles Dodgers first base coach Mariano Duncan was just the first of many incendiary moments.  It was a bit of gamesmanship, perhaps, in a game that certainly needed none.

Greinke back for final weeks  —  Quick quiz: Let's say it works out as the Royals hope, and their rotation in the not-too-distant future includes Zack Greinke, Luke Hochevar, Tyler Lumsden and perhaps Billy Buckner.  —  Take a guess which of those prospects is the youngest.