Yankees rolling, but Sox don't yield  —  So, what are we to say about a team when it doesn't collapse, fold, choke, fall apart, crumble, disintegrate, melt, break down, crash and burn, fizzle, flop, or fade?  —  The language is rich in words to describe failure.

Ryan steps down as Twins GM  —  Vice president/assistant GM Bill Smith to take over position  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Terry Ryan has often been lauded as one of the best talent evaluators in baseball.  —  And now he'll get a chance to fulfill his love of scouting talent, full-time.

Ian Kennedy shines, but Yankees' winning streak ends  —  TORONTO - It was only Ian Kennedy's third start in the major leagues, but everything seemed so comfortable for him last night, like he was pitching "anywhere else - USC, anywhere in the minor leagues," he said.

Floyd's thinking about retiring  —  HOUSTON — A season that has taken a toll on Cliff Floyd like no other in his career might be his last, the Cubs outfielder said Thursday — especially, believe it or not, if the Cubs do the unthinkable and win the World Series.

Cards' last stand?  —  A week ago, tonight's game promised the start of something rare, even historic.  Now the Cardinals must decide whether three nights in September represent a rescue or a salvage operation.  —  The Cardinals and Chicago Cubs, two teams that share a rivalry …

For Hitters, Not Much to Miss  —  As Final Homestand Begins, Nats Ready to Bid Farewell to RFK  —  It hosted Livan Hernandez's fastball for strike one against Arizona's Craig Counsell, the moment — 7:06 p.m., April 14, 2005 — when baseball returned to Washington.

Matsuzaka Running Out of Gas in the Fast Lane  —  Daisuke Matsuzaka slowed everything down Wednesday at Fenway Park, working on his pitching motion in slow motion.  Matsuzaka slowly, very, very slowly, brought the ball in his right hand from behind his back, past his shoulder and down below his knees.

Trachsel, 4 HRs give Cubs Central lead  —  HOUSTON (AP) — The Chicago Cubs used a simple formula to regain the NL Central lead Thursday night.  If only they can follow it in St. Louis this weekend.  —  Steve Trachsel earned his first win with the Cubs in eight years and Chicago hit four home runs …

Quick fix turning into valuable asset  —  Since coming in a trade, Castillo has done wonders for Mets  —  NEW YORK — Luis Castillo stared down the line on a typical Monday and watched third-base coach Sandy Alomar Sr. relay a typical call.  A few moments later, Castillo had his orders.

Phils say wild card wouldn't be so bad  —  So much for Jimmy Rollins' choice as the NL East's team to beat fulfilling those expectations.  That is, unless the Phillies can somehow rally for the wild card and oust the Mets in the NLCS.  —  Only two weeks after sweeping the Mets in a four …

Hundreds see Marlins pull out win  —  MIAMI GARDENS — It would have been a great crowd for a spring training game.  Played on a back field.  In the rain.  —  But not for a major-league baseball game on a sunny Wednesday.  —  Forget the announced attendance of 10,121 for the Marlins-Nationals game at Dolphin Stadium.