Tribe throw 1-2 punch  —  Sabathia, Carmona have fought long fight … Mark Shapiro sat in the visitors dugout at Fenway Park [map] one rainy day in 2003, predicting that an emotional, 22-year-old mountain of a man named C.C. Sabathia could one day enter baseball's pitching elite.

Rivera: Torre's status will affect my decision  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Mariano Rivera isn't happy that Joe Torre might be out as manager of the New York Yankees and said the team's decision will be factored into whether he returns.  —  "I don't feel good about it," Rivera said Wednesday …

Minor League Transactions  —  This week's installment considers all transactions reported between Sept. 28-Oct. 5.  Last week's transactions available here.  —  Arizona Diamondbacks  —  Recalled: RHP Emiliano Fruto, RHP Leo Rosales, RHP Max Scherzer, OF Carlos Gonzalez, OF Alex Romero

Dodgers front office will have busy offseason  —  After what passes for a week of rest and relaxation in the frenetic lives of Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti and his staff, the front office will get back to business this week when the club's scouts and special assistants come to town for meetings.

D-Backs still waiting for fever pitch  —  JJ Hensley  —  It's getting louder, but it's not deafening.  —  The buzz for the Diamondbacks' push through the National League playoffs has grown since the team started its series with the Cubs, but the excitement still fails to match the mood in Denver …

Teams learn downfall of 3-days rest  —  LIKE THIS STORY?  —  If the Rockies activate right-hander Aaron Cook for the National League Championship Series, they probably will use him as a reliever and not as a starter.  —  Cook, sidelined since Aug. 10 with a strained right oblique muscle …

Texas League Top 20 Prospects List  —  Subscribers can read scouting reports on all 20 players (Click here to subscribe)  —  The Double-A Texas League, traditionally one of the more offensive circuits in the minors, wasn't loaded with can't-miss hitters this season.

Dukes to play in Winter League  —  Devil Rays say troubled outfielder is making strides  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Elijah Dukes is headed to the Dominican Republic to play winter ball for Licey.  —  "Elijah continues to make great strides," said Andrew Friedman, Devil Rays executive vice president of baseball operation.

He said, he said  —  Sitting in limbo somewhere near the Bay Area, Tony La Russa emphasized Tuesday that he won't commit to another term as Cardinals manager until chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. can at least provide direction where the club's general manager search might end.