Time to close curtain on this act  —  TORONTO — In 2011, when Manny Ramírez will be 39 years old, he will start to receive the first installment in 16 years of deferred payments.  The checks that year will total slightly less than $2 million, and by the year 2026 …

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.

Pirates, Royals play spoiler at end of season  —  The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Kansas City Royals will not be around for October, but they are going to have a say about the eight postseason teams.  —  The Pirates, in fifth place in the National League East, play a weekend series …

Cutoff men  —  Bombers' brass vow to punish fans who scalp  —  Furious that fans are reselling their tickets online, the Yankees have started revoking the contracts of season-ticket holders and banning them from buying playoff seats this year.  —  The team has fired off at least eight letters …

A's walk-off win gives Zito lasting image  —  Scutaro's heroics put Oakland in position to clinch AL West  —  OAKLAND — Barry Zito wore the satisfied, bemused look of a man who knows he's about to attend one hell of a party.  —  Thanks to Bobby Kielty, Jay Payton, Marco Scutaro and a host of lesser heroes, he is.

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 …

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 …

Notes: Schneider finishing strong  —  Catcher's adjustments lead to hot streak to close out season  —  NEW YORK — Brian Schneider's remaining at-bats of the 2006 season might not change his final statistics much, but they can still be important.  —  Having corrected flaws in his stance …

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 …

Colletti Sees Ethier in L.A. Future  —  Andre Ethier was back in the starting lineup Friday, but the rookie left fielder openly expressed doubts about whether he would be back with the Dodgers in 2007.  —  A prolonged September slump in which he is batting .128 with no home runs and one run batted …

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.