Torrealba's shot puts Rox on the cusp  —  Catcher's three-run homer instrumental in 3-0 NLCS advantage  —  DENVER — Yorvit Torrealba answered Diamondbacks pitcher Livan Hernandez's slow pitches with a slow trot that has put the Rockies, owners of what may go down as the greatest fall streak in history …

Doesn't matter who manages the Yankees in 2008  —  Of all the pressing matters to be discussed by Yankee officials tomorrow when the Tampa Summit begins in earnest, one of the least important topics involves the identity of the next manager.  It ought to rank on the agenda somewhere below …

Mets eye Texas' Rudy Jaramillo for Willie's staff  —  DENVER - Mets brass won't finalize Willie Randolph's staff until Texas hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo's contact expires at the end of the month and he can be pursued.  But the Mets' 2007 coaches are largely expected to return …

Japanese pitcher Kuroda on Cubs' wish list  —  CLEVELAND — Game 3 starter Daisuke Matsuzaka became the next big thing last winter when Boston shelled out $100 million for a posting fee and contract to reel in the Japanese star.  —  His first season turned out to be more of a learning experience than most envisioned.

Rockies defense sparkles  —  So what if they could see their breath and found it tough to get a grip on the ball?  —  The Rockies defense, stellar all year, didn't miss a step - or a throw for that matter - in Sunday night's 4-1 victory over Arizona.  —  Three double plays …

Hoffman has minor surgery on elbow  —  Padres closer Trevor Hoffman had surgery on his pitching elbow Thursday - an arthroscopic "cleanup" procedure that, according to the club, will have the all-time saves leader ready for Opening Day.  —  "Hoffy's surgery was very minor - a few bone chips removed," General Manager Kevin Towers said.

That time of year: One 'last' liftoff for Rocket?  —  Roger Clemens already is playing his second-favorite game, the one in which he leaves people guessing about his future.  On Thursday, The Rocket told Houston's KRIV-TV: "You know I haven't been very good at this.

Radio: KABC-AM to be new flagship station for Dodgers  —  The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to announce at 8:30 a.m. Monday that KABC/790 will be the new English-language flagship station for the team, beginning in 2008.  —  The announcement is to be made during KABC's Doug McIntyre program.

O's, MSA reach agreement on video screen, scoreboard  —  Deal for $9M video and scoreboard display not yet official  —  The Orioles and the Maryland Stadium Authority have reached a tentative agreement to avoid arbitration and spend $9 million to replace the video display and audio systems at Camden Yards.

Baker has to conserve Reds' young arms  —  LIKE THIS STORY?  —  Dusty Baker will be paid approximately $3.5 million per season during his three-year contract with the Reds, major league sources say.  —  Some might suggest the contract should include pitch counts for the Reds' top pitching prospect, right-hander Homer Bailey.

O's keep Crowley as hitting coach  —  Club expected to make Kranitz offer for pitching coach vacancy  —  As expected, the Orioles are holding onto longtime hitting coach Terry Crowley for 2008, while they move aggressively toward filling their recently created pitching-coach vacancy.