Buchholz won't pitch this season  —  After consulting with pitching coach John Farrell and general manager Theo Epstein, Terry Francona announced this afternoon that Clay Buchholz, the rookie sensation who pitched a no-hitter Sept. 1, will not pitch for the remainder of the season and will not be on the postseason roster.

Red Sox clinch AL East crown  —  BOSTON (AP) — Jonathan Papelbon danced barefoot in the infield.  Daisuke Matsuzaka smiled and bowed to a group surrounding him.  And the sound system played "Don't Stop Believin'."  —  Ecstatic fans joined in to savor Boston's first division title in 12 years …

Hamels pitches Phillies into 1st place  —  PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jimmy Rollins was reminded of his bold preseason prediction countless times, especially when it seemed the Philadelphia Phillies were going nowhere.  —  Many snickered.  Others criticized.  Few outside the locker room believed.

Cecil Cooper to return as Astros manager  —  HOUSTON (AP) — With Bud Selig's blessing, the Houston Astros picked Cecil Cooper as their full-time manager.  —  The 57-year-old Cooper received a guaranteed contract through the 2009 season on Friday, a month after he was chosen as interim manager to replace the fired Phil Garner.

C'mon — What Else Are We Gonna Do?  —  I can't tell you with any great conviction that there's any good reason to invest your faith in our team this weekend.  Of course I can't.  I was at the same game Thursday night that you were or watched.  There was nothing about the Mets' performance …

Brace for departure of Marlins' star duo  —  Miguel Cabrera or Dontrelle Willis?  Who goes this winter?  Who stays?  Can we start a pool on whether both will be traded?  —  Yes, it looks serious this time.  And before you raise a voice in protest, understand you don't have a voice.  Nor do I.

Nationals pick up 2009 option on Manny Acta  —  So this is fitting given our story this morning and our discussion today.  —  The Nationals announced that they have picked up the 2009 option on Manager Manny Acta's contract.  He has, as we discussed, a two-year deal with two one-year, club options.

Cubs Clinch  —  Trevor Hoffman strikes out Rickie Weeks in the ninth, and the Padres defeat the Brewers 6-3.  That ends Milwaukee's season as the Chicago Cubs win the NL Central title, the second National League team to claim a playoff spot.  Congratulations to the Cubs on a great comeback season.

Arizona in playoffs, Rockies' run ends  —  DENVER (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks lined up for their usual postgame handshakes.  No wild celebration here.  —  They had clinched a playoff berth with a 4-2 victory over Colorado and didn't even know it.  —  The manual scoreboard at Coors Field …

Are Pirates' players pulling for Tracy?  —  If the Pirates are in some win-one-for-the-skipper mode to save manager Jim Tracy's job, it is becoming increasingly difficult to detect.  —  It was one thing for starter John Van Benschoten to get chased with four runs in two innings yesterday at PNC Park.

Trade winds blow true  —  Padres' deals pay off nicely as former no-names keep team in playoff chase  —  MILWAUKEE - You wonder if other front offices will finally figure it out.  —  Trading with the Padres is risky.  Maybe even foolish.  —  For some four years running …

Update on Garland: Phillies Scouting  —  We said a few weeks back that the White Sox May Shop Jon Garland and that Garland knows it.  The White Sox are seeking 2 relievers.  As Tim noted, the Red Sox, Rockies, Braves, Yankees, Mariners, Dodgers, Mets, and Phillies have all shown interest.