Bullpen thwarts Cubs' hopes  —  MIAMI GARDENS — Logan Kensing wasn't the least bit concerned about the last-place Marlins sending Cubs fans into a panic over the possibility of another late-season collapse.  —  "I cannot stand Cubs fans,'' the Florida reliever said after the Marlins dealt another blow …

Races could reach dizzying heights  —  Complex tiebreaker scenarios loom in National League  —  Brace yourself.  —  That is the message Major League Baseball essentially sent everyone on the final Thursday of this unforgettable regular season, holding further coin tosses due to four …

Mediocrity, parity is winning combination for Selig  —  Too bad Abbott and Costello aren't around to do a routine on this wacky National League finish.  It's not who's on first, it's who's in first?  —  Let's see, it could be: New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Milwaukee, Arizona, San Diego or Colorado.

Bavasi, McLaren to return for 2008 season  —  Howard Lincoln freely admits he doesn't come out of this season fully satisfied with the Mariners' results.  —  "It's a year of mixed emotions," the club CEO said Thursday in announcing that general manager Bill Bavasi and manager John McLaren will return in 2008.

Baek sharp for Mariners  —  Righty gives Seattle six solid innings in first start since June  —  On the day the Mariners announced general manager Bill Bavasi and manager John McLaren will return for the 2008 season, the team played one of its best games of the month.

Notes: Biggio to catch one last time  —  Berkman rests knee; Brown, Deshaies, Ford recognized  —  CINCINNATI — As a kid growing up in Galveston, Texas, Brandon Backe attended his fair share of games at the Astrodome.  He idolized Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell, and he has vivid memories …

Sox still trail by one  —  A lot going on in the fifth.  To recap: Twins second baseman Nick Punto started the top of the inning with a double to center.  He ended up coming home on a two-out single by Torii Hunter up the middle.  Dustin Pedroia (of course) dove to get the ball in short center …

Brewers' McClung, Yost suspended  —  MILWAUKEE (AP) — Brewers reliever Seth McClung was suspended for three games and Milwaukee manager Ned Yost for one after the commissioner's office concluded Thursday the pitcher intentionally hit the Cardinals' Albert Pujols with a pitch a night earlier after a warning had been issued.

Mets' Marlon Anderson loses appeal  —  Marlon Anderson's two-game suspension was upheld by Major League Baseball on appeal, meaning he won't be available to the New York Mets on Thursday and Friday.  —  Anderson, 33, is New York's finest pinch-hitter, cranking out 10 hits in his last 22 …

Yanks clinch 13th straight playoff berth  —  Seven-run fifth against Rays helps secure October appearance  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Celebrate!  The Yankees popped the corks and sprayed some bubbly on Wednesday, clinching their 13th consecutive postseason appearance with a 12-4 victory over the Devil Rays at Tropicana Field.

Will Pirates take from main roster to finance development?  —  New GM says 2008 important to management, but players skeptical  —  Neal Huntington, the Pirates' new general manager, sent a shudder through the players' clubhouse when, in his introductory media session Tuesday, he uttered two R-words.