Face it, qualifying heats don't count … This year, in the American League, there will be no excuses.  The four best teams should have clinched playoff spots by early this week, which means each club should be rested and ready for that time of year when the games matter most.  —  My Best against Your Best.

A-ROD AGENT A 'CUB $COUT'  —  STAR COULD BE PART OWNER: MAG  —  A new report says Alex Rodriguez's agent has spoken to a potential new owner of the Chicago Cubs about a bank-breaking deal that could give A-Rod a cut of the team.  —  The powerful Yankee third baseman is eligible to opt …

Relievers Are Specialists, All Right ... in Shoddy Finishes  —  As if a new curse had infected the Red Sox' relief corps, the cream of the Boston bullpen imploded three times in six days and cost the Red Sox victories they needed to stay comfortably ahead of the belated charge by the dreaded Yankees.

Boras urges Rays to be prepared to overspend  —  The Rays likely aren't going to sign free-agent-to-be Barry Bonds, whose surliness and greater-than-thou attitude wouldn't be a fit in their young impressionable clubhouse, though it would be an interesting issue if, unable to find work elsewhere …

Notes: Hernandez returns to lineup  —  Catcher, manager Trembley discuss veteran's role with club  —  ARLINGTON — Baltimore catcher Ramon Hernandez returned to the starting lineup on Saturday after a two-day absence and a private meeting with manager Dave Trembley to discuss some outstanding issues.

Notes: Bannister will be shut down  —  Rookie righty will wrap up impressive season after next start  —  DETROIT — Brian Bannister will make his last start of the season on Tuesday, manager Buddy Bell announced before Friday's game against the Tigers.  —  Bannister was originally scheduled …

Fans in a Froth for the Mug in Which Bernie Brewer Bathed  —  The controversy over Bernie Brewer's beer mug has come to a head in Milwaukee.  —  Todd Achtner, a lifelong Brewers fan, is leading an online charge to bring back the beer barrel, mug and chalet belonging to Bernie Brewer.

Yankees outlast Blue Jays behind Melky Cabrera's arm, bat  —  If Melky Cabrera keeps playing like this, he might become the first Yankee to have a candy bar renamed after him.  —  Shortly after starting a strong relay that cut down the potential go-ahead run at the plate …

Angels denied by Mariners  —  One win from clinching AL West title, LA falls to Seattle  —  ANAHEIM — Opportunity lost was the downbeat theme of the day for the Angels, who let a second chance to clinch the American League West title at home slip through their normally sure hands.

Notes: Francoeur displays discipline  —  More patient approach helps Braves right fielder raise average  —  ATLANTA — As the regular season heads into its final week and the Braves' postseason hopes grow dimmer, Jeff Francoeur knows that at least one goal will likely go unfulfilled.

Nats waste chances in defeat  —  As Washington Nationals reliever Chris Schroder strode to the mound to begin extra innings, it seemed as if the final night game at RFK Stadium might last well into the morning.  Since knotting the score at one in the sixth, the Nationals had swapped scoreless innings with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Alou's hit streak up to 26, Mets win  —  MIAMI (AP) — The New York Mets made themselves at home in Miami — again.  —  Oliver Perez pitched eight innings, Moises Alou extended his hitting streak to a team record-tying 26 games and the Mets strengthened their hold on the NL East by beating the Florida Marlins 7-2 Saturday.