Mailbag: Where do Mets go from here?  —  Beat reporter Marty Noble answers Mets fans' questions  —  What's your take on all that has happened?  I've been reading your reports forever, and I saw you weren't available on the last weekend of the season.  I just want to know what you thought …

Angels seething after being squeezed out of the playoffs … BOSTON — Torii Hunter sat in his chair, mad as hell.  John Lackey said he wanted to throw somebody through a wall.  Other players privately said they were more than upset, they were angry.  —  And it's understandable.

Mets reliever Burgos surrenders in hit-and-run … SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — New York Mets pitcher Ambiorix Burgos turned himself in on Tuesday, a week after police say he was involved in a hit-and-run accident that killed two women.  —  Authorities were interviewing him …

Jocketty: Reds won't re-sign Patterson  —  Team will visit some of own free agents before market opens  —  CINCINNATI — Corey Patterson's return to the Reds in 2009 already seemed unlikely as this season closed.  Now, it's official.  —  Patterson, one of nine Reds headed to free agency, won't be re-signed by the club.

Yanks' Rivera can resume throwing in 3 months  —  NEW YORK (AP) — New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera had surgery Tuesday on his right shoulder and is expected to resume throwing in three months, a month ahead of spring training.  —  New York Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek operated at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

A.J. DECISION COMING ASAP  —  With CC Sabathia expected to land in California, A.J. Burnett will have the rest of the country to pick from.  Burnett is expected to opt out of the final two years and $24 million with the Blue Jays.  —  And like Sabathia, Burnett doesn't want to be shoveling snow …

The '81 Dodgers sing ‘We Are The Champions’ on Solid Gold  —  You know what really chaps my hide?  YouTube users who are arrogant enough not to allow their videos to be embedded.  I'd say they're like modern day commies, except that commies would allow their videos to be shared for the greater good.

Hughes dominates in AFL season debut  —  Pair of Yankees prospects help Javelinas open with win  —  Coming off a second straight season marred by injuries, New York Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes is spending the early portion of his offseason working to regain the form that had him touted …

Japan baseball execs to introduce ban to curb drift to major leagues  —  An executive committee representing Japan's 12 professional baseball teams have agreed to introduce a ban on players returning to Japanese baseball after turning down rookie draft nominations in Japan and signing with overseas pro teams.

Where Could Prince Land?  —  By Tim Dierkes [October 7 at 4:47pm CST]  —  Prince Fielder will be an intriguing name if he hits the trade market.  Many teams will not be able to afford Mark Teixeira, while Ryan Howard is apparently unavailable.  So three years of Prince at a reasonable price looks pretty good.

Market Watch  —  Splashy acquisitions are unlikely, but GM Ed Wade is looking for cost-effective pitching and catching help  —  In his nearly 13 months on the job, Astros general manager Ed Wade has certainly shown he's not afraid to shake things up or tweak the roster when it's warranted.

Bonds says he relishes ‘freedom’ from baseball … SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (AP) — Barry Bonds made a rare public appearance Tuesday and said he is enjoying life away from baseball.  —  “I'm happy now that I have more time,” Bonds told the crowd at the kickoff event of the Macy's Christmas tree lighting.

ESPN gets rights to 2009 World Baseball Classic  —  The World Baseball Classic, which opens March 5, 2009, will be broadcast on ESPN and MLB Network, it was announced on Tuesday.  —  ESPN also acquired the English and Spanish radio broadcast rights, as well as digital rights, including the live-streaming of games on ESPN360.com.

Girardi is the subject on WFAN  —  Go to WFAN.com to listen to an interesting interview Mike Francesa had with Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated.  —  Heyman said that Joe Girardi has problems in the clubhouse with the veteran players and it's something he needs to address.