As salaries rise, so does NL's need for DH … DENVER — Since we live in an age of money, an age of offense, and an age of power, it is time for the National League to stop worrying and start loving the designated hitter.  —  It's the unfortunate, but correct thing to do …

For Helton, Hall is accessible through shrinking window  —  DENVER — No pressure or anything, but the next three games will determine whether the Colorado Rockies can win the World Series — and whether Todd Helton can get into the Hall of Fame.  —  These next three games against Boston …

Indians executive visits Cardinals  —  The Cardinals won't call Chris Antonetti the front-runner to become their next general manager, but the club did call the up-and-coming Cleveland Indians executive and his wife to Busch Stadium for a meeting Friday morning with team president Mark Lamping and a tour of the facility.

Yankees seek Alex Rodriguez sit-down to discuss contract  —  As Alex Rodriguez moved one day closer to his opt-out date, the Yankees were working to set up a face-to-face meeting with the third baseman.  —  Hank Steinbrenner said yesterday in Tampa that he believes the meeting will take place …

Jays claim Gosling, Lopez from Reds  —  The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed pitcher Mike Gosling and shortstop Pedro Lopez off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds.  —  The Blue Jays have also outrighted pitchers Jordan DeJong, Lee Gronkiewicz and Jamie Vermiliyea to Syracuse of the International League (AAA).

'I Live for This!  Baseball's Last True Believer,' by Bill Plaschke with Tommy Lasorda  —  Lasorda takes his place in baseball lore.  —  In one of the many great stories in "I Live for This!  Baseball's Last True Believer" by Bill Plaschke with Tommy Lasorda, the young Tommy …

Schilling for the Hall  —  One school of thought says Curt Schilling, with 216 career regular-season wins, does not belong in the MLB Hall of Fame.  In his 20-year career, he has had eight sub-.500 win-loss records.  His career average year is 14-9 with a 3.46 ERA.

Hank Steinbrenner: Yankees in 'agreement' on new skipper  —  BY MARK FEINSAND in New York and PETER BOTTE in Tampa  —  The Yankees don't plan on doing any business over the weekend, but it appears the club has settled on its choice for a new manager.  —  Who that choice is, however, remains to be seen.

Up 2-0 and a mile high.  —  We landed in Denver around 4:45am this morning.  Needless to say the flight felt a lot shorter after the win than it otherwise might have.  —  Papajima, that's mine.  It was that or Okibon.  Whatever you want to call it those two guys, along …

LaMar leaves Nationals for Phillies  —  Former GM to become director of professional scouting  —  WASHINGTON — National crosschecker Chuck LaMar left the Nationals to become director of professional scouting with the Phillies on Thursday.  —  LaMar will also work with director …

Lefthander Romero likely to test free agency  —  It looks as if lefthander J.C. Romero could be pitching elsewhere next season.  —  Romero, who played a major role this season in helping the Phillies win their first National League East championship since 1993, appears far apart from the Phillies in early contract negotiations.

Red Sox Backlash: It's Here, and It's Oh-So-Real  —  Kimmel comes through.  Big-time.  We thought he was a big giant douche for this stunt, but in light of his spectacular MNF appearance, and now this ... we're slowly coming around.  —  Jimmy Kimmel's PSA for Red Sox Fans (Home Run Derby)

Dodgers hope to play one game at Coliseum in '08  —  LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers may return to the Los Angeles Coliseum, site of "Moon Shots," for one game next season.  —  If it works out, the game will be part of the team's 50th anniversary in Los Angeles.