Rollins nabs NL MVP Award  —  Shortstop backed up talk this season with big performance  —  PHILADELPHIA — Considering the amazing streaks for the teams whose uniforms they wore, the National League MVP race had to be this close.  —  There could be no other finish.

Sources: Tribe near deal with Kobayashi  —  LIKE THIS STORY?  —  The Indians, continuing the run on Japanese relievers, are close to an agreement with right-hander Masahide Kobayashi, according to major-league sources.  —  Kobayashi was already taking his physical for the team Tuesday.

Boras: Jones isn't going to settle for one-year deal  —  Despite Andruw Jones' struggles, agent Scott Boras said Tuesday that he does not expect Jones to sign a one-year contract in an effort to rehabilitate his numbers and file for free agency again next winter.  —  Jones hit .222 last season.

Red Sox agree to terms with third baseman Mike Lowell on three-year contract through 2010 season  —  BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox today agreed to terms with third baseman Mike Lowell on a three-year contract extending through the 2010 season.  No further terms were disclosed.

Mets may trade for new catcher, starting pitcher  —  Oakland A's starter Joe Blanton is one of the Omar Minaya's targets as the Mets try to improve their pitching via the trade market.  (KRT Photo)  —  The field of free-agent starting pitchers is mediocre at best, and the available catchers aren't even that good.

McDonough stepping down as president  —  Longtime team exec to take position with Blackhawks  —  CHICAGO — John McDonough, who has been with the Cubs since October 1983, most recently as team president, is reportedly stepping down to take over the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks.

Mariano Rivera takes 3-year deal for $45 million from Yankees  —  Mariano Rivera did what he does best Monday: He closed the deal.  —  Rivera, the team's All-Star closer, agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract, remaining in the only big-league uniform he has ever worn.

Mets acquire catcher Johnny Estrada  —  The New York Mets announced today that they have acquired catcher Johnny Estrada from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for righthanded pitcher Guillermo Mota.  —  "Johnny adds depth to our catching situation," said Mets General Manager Omar Minaya.

Astros sign free-agent infielder Blum  —  Former Astro returns to club with one-year deal, club option  —  HOUSTON — The Houston Astros announced today that the club has signed free-agent infielder Geoff Blum to a one-year, $1.1-million contract, plus incentives.  The deal also includes a club option for 2009.

WFAN lands Heyman, Girardi  —  It's always baseball season on WFAN, so it's no surprise that when it made two announcements in recent days, both involved the New York pastime.  —  Friday, the station revealed it had hired Jon Heyman away from ESPN 1050, for whom he had spent the past five years offering insights and information.

Anatomy of a player: Tom Glavine  —  Tom Glavine is a certain Hall of Famer who notched his 300th career victory this year, his 20th in the majors.  Glavine started his career with the Braves, winning two Cy Young awards, and signed a free agent deal with the Mets in 2003.