Girardi's days likely numbered  —  Manager reportedly will be dismissed at season's end  —  PHILADELPHIA — It's been a year of surprises for the Florida Marlins.  So, in an ironic way, it's strangely fitting that this startling season has produced a fallout between management and manager.

Who will be the next Esteban Loaiza?  —  Say hello to the "Esteban Loaizas of 2006."  —  The scout who coined that phrase wasn't talking about the top of this year's free-agent pitching market — left-hander Barry Zito and righty Jason Schmidt.  —  He wasn't talking about potential free agents …

Pirates Notebook: Closers closing in on perfection  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  LOS ANGELES — Not since Eric Gagne nailed down all 55 save opportunities in 2003 has any National League closer had a spotless season.  —  What the Pirates have achieved this season pales by comparison, of course.

Under The Knife  —  A Scary Day  —  I've been covering steroids in baseball for most of my career, and there's been no scarier day than yesterday.  I was in the ESPN newsroom, getting ready to go on and talk some fantasy football when I saw that the authors of Game of Shadows were sent to jail.

Pavano Joins Yankees, and the Joking Begins  —  It has been a season of setbacks for Carl Pavano, the Yankees' $10 million missing man.  But the team made sure his latest physical problem did not keep him out of the clubhouse.  —  Pavano, who cracked three ribs in a car accident on Aug. 15 …

International: Mariners Sign Truinfel  —  As expected, the summer of 2006 has been a busy one on the international market.  The Mariners, who aren't shy about signing players from any corner of the globe, already had spent heavily earlier in the summer, signing Venezuelan outfielder Mario Martinez for $600,000.

What's next for Cubs' Ramirez?  —  Cubs want him back, but out clause gives slugger upper hand  —  CINCINNATI — Will Aramis Ramirez hold the Cubs hostage next month, or will negotiations over a new contract go smoothly?  —  That may be the biggest dilemma general manager Jim Hendry faces this off-season …

Royals' Bell has tonsils removed  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals manager Buddy Bell had his tonsils removed Friday and will now await biopsy results on a growth that was detected in the area.  —  At the recommendation of Dr. Steven Joyce, the Royals' team physician, surgery was performed just days after the growth was found.

Cardinals extend Jocketty, restructure front office  —  HOUSTON — On the same day Cardinals ownership made apparent its commitment to general manager Walt Jocketty, it also announced a restructuring of the front office he heads.  —  The club announced Friday that it had assumed the option on Jocketty's contract for 2008.

Howard hits No.58 as Phils fry Fish  —  Slugger continues torrid pace to back rookie starter Hamels  —  PHILADELPHIA — Ryan Howard had barely rounded first base when the rally-towel waving faithful began what has now become the regular mantra.  —  Chants of MVP crescendoed until Howard came …

Notes: Fairly calling it quits  —  Announcer set to retire; Feierabend to start Sunday  —  CHICAGO — After being on the field or in the broadcast booth for what he estimates as 7,000 games, Ron Fairly has decided to walk away from baseball following this season.

Series-ly - tix for $10G!  —  It's scalpers' going rate for a Game 7  —  Dreams of a Subway Series are driving postseason ticket prices to insane heights - with Yankees ticket holders already hawking World Series Game 7 ducats for $9,999.  —  Seems crazy, especially since the 10-grand tickets are far from home plate.