Breathless  —  I'm sure many of you almost hyperventilated when you saw this article in today's Tribune (reprinted from the Trib-owned South Florida Sun-Sentinel), stating that … This immediately spawned two BCB diaries, one of which I had to delete because it contained the entire text of the above-linked article.

Tavarez pitches complete game in BoSox victory over Jays  —  CBS SportsLine.com wire reports  —  TORONTO — Julian Tavarez called it the only highlight of his season.  —  "That's the only good thing I've done this year," Tavarez said after pitching his first complete game in six years …

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 …

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 …

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.

Subway Series no gravy train  —  While the Yankees clinched the American League East sitting on their backsides in Toronto Wednesday night, no one should dare downgrade this truly auspicious occasion.  —  The ninth straight division title officially opened the gate for a Yankees-Mets run through October.

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 …

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.

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.

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.

Bullpen Mechanics  —  The Complex Case of Oliver Perez  —  Oliver Perez, in a span of a few years, has gone from a guy who routinely pitched at 95 mph+ in '04 to a guy who rarely broke 90 mph early this year (watch the WBC if you have to) to a guy who is back at around the 93-96 mph range.

Notes: Raines' status unclear  —  Bench coach in wait-and-see mode regarding future  —  CHICAGO — The end of the 2006 season not only could mark the last vestige of the White Sox 2005 championship run, but it also could signal the final days of Tim Raines as a part of the White Sox coaching staff.