Yankees' Cashman to sign three-year deal  —  Brian Cashman has agreed to return as the Yankees general manager on a three-year contract, Newsday has learned.  —  Cashman deliberated over the decision about whether it was time to move on after 11 seasons as GM, but gave the Yankees an affirmative answer this afternoon.

White Sox claim AL Central crown  —  Danks tosses gem, Thome hits monster homer to beat Twins  —  CHICAGO — With most of the 40,354 in attendance at U.S. Cellular Field sporting dark colors, the White Sox got their “Sox Pride” blackout as requested.  —  Through the immense power of Jim Thome …

My awards ballot: These MVP picks may surprise you … In the National League MVP vote, which should be fascinating, the question the voters will have to ask themselves is whether two players who came to the party late can qualify for that coveted seasonal honor.

Blasts from their past?  —  Teixeira, drafted by Sox, didn't sign  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. - If you could pick about five hitters in baseball who could be tagged with the label “perfect for the Red Sox,” Mark Teixeira likely would have his name in capital letters.

Return for Sheets in playoffs ‘doubtful’  —  Torn muscle near right elbow likely to end right-hander's year  —  PHILADELPHIA — The end of Ben Sheets' 2008 season became a bit more official on Tuesday, when the Brewers' co-ace was left off Milwaukee's National League Division Series roster …

Drug Testers Notified Teams in Minors  —  When George J. Mitchell issued his report last December on the use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball, Commissioner Bud Selig quickly embraced the report's findings.  He then went further, saying baseball would immediately end a practice under …

Dodgers' Manny Ramirez knows how to have fun — and win  —  Possibly as important as all the home runs and RBIs was the attitude the slugger brought to the Dodgers.  —  Dodger Stadium has turned into the capital of Mannywood in two short months, the ballpark taken over by a cartoon character …

Greene's self-inflicted hand injury could cost him a chunk of salary  —  Losing his cool could cost Khalil Greene more than a cool million.  —  Padres CEO Sandy Alderson acknowledged Tuesday that the club is pursuing a grievance against its normally stoic shortstop, who was lost for the season …

Rebuilding of Mets officially begins  —  GM Minaya recognizes challenges ahead of organization  —  NEW YORK — The dismantling of Shea Stadium began in earnest Monday at 12:01 a.m., some seven hours after the reconstruction of the ballpark's primary tenant began.

Players To Be Named  —  Today we acquired RHP Eduardo Perez and LHP Michael Watt from the Dodgers in exchange from Greg Maddux.  —  Eduardo is a 20-year old, 6'2" right-hander from Venezuela.  Our scouting reports indicate that he has an advanced feel for pitching, throws consistent strikes …

Red Sox Nation beginning to wear thin  —  OK, I'll give the Red Sox the whole nation thing.  —  Hard not to after following Boston through the playoffs last year and watching the throngs of faithful who always seem to show up no matter where they're playing.

Finding a closer top priority for Wedge  —  Tribe manager dissects season gone wrong, looks ahead  —  CLEVELAND — Indians manager Eric Wedge, dressed for a business meeting more than for a postseason press conference, walked into the media dining room at Progressive Field and shook hands Tuesday …