Joba apologizes after arrest on suspicion of DUI  —  LINCOLN, Neb. — New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain apologized for “an error in judgment” on Sunday.  —  He was arrested early Saturday in Nebraska on suspicion of driving under the influence, speeding and having an open container of alcohol in his vehicle.

DEALING CASTILLO WILL BE NO EASY TASK  —  CONTINUED  —  Towers, though, admits a willingness to deal ace Jake Peavy, who is very much on the market during this postseason.  As of late week, the Mets had shown almost no inclination to pursue the right-hander.

Every Given Sunday  —  The Dodgers' up-and-down season ended with a five-game loss to the Phillies in the National League Championship Series.  Now, the real fun begins for the Dodgers, who will have an extremely busy offseason with 12 of their players eligible for free agency.

A's 2B Ellis set to re-sign with multiyear contract  —  Oakland Athletics second baseman Mark Ellis has agreed to a multiyear deal to re-sign with the team.  —  “I'm very excited,” Ellis said by phone from his Arizona home Saturday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Decisions Worth Emulating?  —  The choice of a hero tells a lot.  For instance, John McCain and Barack Obama have each mentioned Robert Jordan, the doomed American volunteer in the Spanish Civil War, as their favorite character in literature.  —  In the realm of nonfiction …

What are the chances?  —  The Red Sox tonight can complete a more remarkable feat than they did in the 2004 ALCS, when they came back from down three games to none against the New York Yankees.  Think about that.  If you disagree with that claim - and understanding the emotions and memories …

Phillies' Manuel settles rotation, not DH  —  Phillies manager Charlie Manuel admits he needs to find a designated hitter for Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday in the American League champion's city.  —  The pitching rotation is a different story.  —  Manuel said yesterday …

A fine mesh in Philadelphia  —  Gillick and his team put it all together  —  Pat Gillick is looking forward to serene days and nights at his home in the Great Northwest (Seattle).  He has been trying to retire for a few years and has been lured back a couple of times, but this time it might be for real.

Barry Bonds' desperate swing  —  It was announced this week with bad intentions, look out, that the Major League Baseball Players Association was going to come after baseball on a big collusion charge because nobody wanted to give Barry Bonds a job this past season.  That was the first part of the announcement, anyway.