Going, Going...  The greatest baseball player in the world is about to lead the game's most storied franchise to its thirteenth consecutive October in the playoffs.  And then he might leave town.  Inside A-Rod's Endgame.  —  T  —  he last time the New York Yankees didn't make the postseason, there was no postseason.

Rockies close within 1 1-2 for wild card  —  SAN DIEGO (AP) — A wild-card race that was already wild turned absolutely bizarre Sunday, and Milton Bradley was right in the middle of it for the San Diego Padres.  —  Bradley was ejected and then hurt his right knee when Padres manager Bud Black spun …

Dodgers avoid playoff elimination  —  A young lineup featuring Billingsley, Abreu and Loney leads L.A. to a 7-1 victory over the Diamondbacks.  —  The Dodgers can't be officially eliminated from playoff contention for at least two more days.  —  Fielding a lineup comprised almost entirely …

He's serious: Rays to shine by '09  —  Rays manager Joe Maddon, 53, whose contract recently was extended through 2009, insists better days are ahead.  And not as far away as you might think.  —  Times]  —  The Devil Rays this week wrap up their 10th consecutive losing season, and have the worst record in the major leagues.

Bullpen blows lead, Phils lose to Nats  —  WASHINGTON (AP) — His club lost a game on the field and lost ground in the standings Sunday, yet Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel chose to look on the bright side: At least his top relievers got some rest for the stretch run.

Bucs rethinking GM pick?  —  The Pittsburgh Pirates' general manager search may not be over after all as Chairman Bob Nutting and President Frank Coonelly are rethinking their decision to offer the job to Neal Huntington after word of their choice leaked to the media last Thursday night.

Angels dump M's to clinch AL West crown  —  LIKE THIS STORY?  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - John Lackey and the Los Angeles Angels gave their fans another reason to wave those rally monkeys.  —  The Angels clinched their third AL West title in four years Sunday, with Lackey leading them to a 7-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners.

Notes: Brown leading team in RBIs  —  Outfielder's 61 driven in tops despite limited playing time  —  DETROIT — It's been a different situation for Emil Brown in 2007.  He hasn't played every day for the first time in several years.  However, Brown is leading the team in RBIs (61) for the third straight season.

Mets Chat Room  —  Welcome back to Mets Chat Room.  —  For the Mets, eight game remaining.  John Maine going today vs. Chris Seddon  —  To update you, Billy Wagner is available and Carlos Beltran said he's all right. ...  Moises Alou's hitting streak is at 26. ...  Hey, how about this?

Mussina helps Yanks gain game on BoSox  —  LIKE THIS STORY?  —  NEW YORK (AP) - A playoff berth all but clinched, Mike Mussina pitched the New York Yankees within 1 1/2 games of Boston in the AL East with a week to go.  —  Mussina won his 250th game, backup catcher Jose Molina had three hits …

Zambrano wins 17th, Cubs increase lead  —  CHICAGO (AP) — Derrek Lee was a member of the Florida Marlins four years ago when they came to Wrigley Field and won the NL championship series.  What he heard from the crowd Sunday in the Chicago Cubs' regular-season finale at home sounded very familiar.