Wagner to have surgery — out for year (update)  —  The Mets learned today that Billy Wagner has a torn MCL in his left elbow and will need season-ending surgery that could impact 2009 as well, a person familiar with the situation said.  In what figured to be his last obstacle …

Mets' Maine to return as a relief pitcher?  —  While Billy Wagner's comeback attempt may have ended yesterday, it seems that John Maine still has an outside chance of returning this season, perhaps in a bullpen role.  —  Maine had hoped to begin throwing tomorrow, but those plans were pushed …

A-Rod's slip of tongue indicts fading Yankees  —  SEATTLE - Even Alex Rodriguez seems to have realized that the Yankees are not playoff-bound.  —  After a 5-2 loss to the Mariners yesterday knocked them into fourth place in the American League East, behind the Rays, Red Sox and now the Blue Jays …

Ortiz: ‘My hand is not OK’  —  DAVID ORTIZFirst homer in 20 games (Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press)  —  ARLINGTON, Texas - When David Ortiz smashed a pitch from Brandon McCarthy off the facing of the second deck at Rangers Ballpark at Arlington in yesterday's game against Texas, it marked his first home run in 20 games.

Mets' Wagner (elbow) likely out for season  —  It appears that Billy Wagner's comeback attempt is likely over.  —  In what was supposed to be his final hurdle, Wagner was forced to cut yesterday's mound session short after feeling “discomfort” in his left elbow and the injured closer is expected to see a team doctor today.

Rays' Maddon says Percival is still closer  —  Rays trainer Ron Porterfield checks Matt Garza after Marco Scutaro's liner hit the pitcher's forearm in the fifth.  Garza was fine.  —  TORONTO — Troy Percival's latest struggles have not shaken the confidence manager Joe Maddon has in him.

Pirates Tie Major Sport Record for Most Consecutive Losing Seasons  —  As with many historic events, this one resulted from a remarkable convergence of factors—spectacularly incompetent management; tight-fisted, complacent ownership; a generally pretty ambivalent fanbase …

Tickets for potential Mets' 2008 postseason games at Shea Stadium will soon be available for purchase.  —  As part of the Mets' continuing effort to make Mets  —  postseason tickets available to as many fans as possible,  —  we have worked to develop a more efficient and fair ticket ordering process.

Bernie Williams Goes to Washington  —  The Yankees know what it is like to wait for Bernie Williams.  So does President Bush.  —  On Sunday, Williams traveled to Washington to be a base coach for children playing T-ball on the White House lawn.  President Bush, the former owner of the Texas Rangers …

CURTAIN CALL FOR DELGADO  —  JUST call him Mr. Cur tain Call.  Or Mr. MVP.  —  Carlos Delgado continued his amazing turnaround season last night, blasting two long solo home runs off Cole Hamels in the Mets' 6-3 victory over the Phillies in the second game of a doubleheader at Shea …

30 teams, 30 theme songs  —  Well, the season is winding down once again.  By this time, we have a good idea of what each team is capable, and what their hopes (if any) are for the rest of the regular season and beyond.  We know which teams have floundered, surprised, or merely trudged along.

Après George le Déluge  —  As the tyrant fades away and his team fades with him, it has now become all too apparent that the Boss was really the straw that stirred the drink.  —  For the Yankees, it might have been a celebration, or it might have been a wake.

1st choice: Millar eyes O's return  —  First baseman wants to stick around, but club may take awhile to decide his fate  —  His contributions to Boston's first World Series title team in 86 years will forever link him to Red Sox Nation.  He has spent more time with the Florida Marlins than with any other club.