L.A. vs. N.Y. for top free-agents … ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Baseball executives envision this country's horrific economic meltdown adversely affecting this free-agent class, though it might not cost three superstars who baseball people believe are too good to be affected.

It's LOOGY Time  —  In praise of the ballplayer who best embodies the absurdist quality of the game.  —  A World Series—even one hosted in such grim locales as St. Petersburg's moldy Tropicana Field or Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park, the Ford F-250 of ballparks—is all about stars.

Which Braves prospects are untouchable?  —  Philadelphia — I'm in chilly Philly and Braves officials are not.  But neither are officials from most other teams, save for the participating Phillies and Rays.  —  Gone is the day when all major league teams sent all their top officials …

Loewen signs with Blue Jays  —  Former first-round pick spurns O's, agrees to minor league deal with division rival in surprise move; ‘I came to the conclusion that I wanted to be a Blue Jay’  —  If Adam Loewen is going to make a successful transition into a power-hitting outfielder or first baseman, it won't be in an Orioles uniform.

How to Take American Health Care From Worst to First  —  IN the past decade, baseball has experienced a data-driven information revolution.  Numbers-crunchers now routinely use statistics to put better teams on the field for less money.  Our overpriced, underperforming health care system needs a similar revolution.

PHILS GRUMP OVER UMPS  —  ST. PETERSBURG - The Phillies weren't happy with home-plate umpire Kerwin Danley over two apparent blown calls that proved costly.  —  Brett Myers was upset with Danley for seeming to call a check-swing third strike on the Rays' Rocco Baldelli in the second inning …

Dodgers retain entire Major League coaching staff for 2009  —  LOS ANGELES — The 2008 National League West Division Champion Los Angeles Dodgers today announced they have retained their entire Major League coaching staff for the 2009 season.  The staff, led by manager Joe Torre …

Arencibia heating up under desert sky  —  Jays catching prospect sizzling at plate in Arizona Fall League  —  TORONTO — J.P. Arencibia is beginning to heat up under the Arizona sun.  After a slow start for the Blue Jays' top catching prospect, Arencibia enjoyed a strong showing this week with the Phoenix Desert Dogs.

Cashing in on hope  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Meet Dave Marger and the long odds spring to life.  Spend a few minutes with this 46-year-old local businessman and the entire Tampa Bay Rays' worst-to-first thing becomes a gleam and a grin, a phone that won't stop ringing …

SOURCE: ISIAH THOMAS OVERDOSES ON SLEEPING PILLS  —  Former Knicks coach Isiah Thomas was taken to the hospital early this morning because he overdosed on sleeping pills at his Westchester home, authorities said.  —  When reached on his cell phone today, Thomas, 47, denied those claims …

New M's GM begins search for manager  —  SEATTLE (AP)—Jack Zduriencik grew up in western Pennsylvania.  During summer vacations in college he would follow his father into the steel mill just across the state line in Youngstown, Ohio, as many sons in that proud, blue-collar region did four decades ago.

Manny not a priority for Jays — Burnett is  —  Manny Ramirez?  —  Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi uttered that name to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports on Wednesday night saying that the feared slugger with heavy baggage was on the club's radar — the wishful thinking list.  —  Okay, we'll bite.