Overrated Torre gets exposed  —  PHILADELPHIA - One look at Alex Rodriguez  —  this postseason, just killing everything he sees, and it's evident: Something is different.  Left unsaid is the reason he dare not mention, because A-Rod has finally learned that sometimes the truth is best read between the lines.

Mathis' walk-off double closes ALCS gap  —  Angels catcher delivers in 11th as series narrows to 2-1  —  ANAHEIM — The Angels looked dead in the waters of the nearby Pacific.  —  Scarcely a red-clad creature was stirring in the fifth inning on Monday at Angel Stadium …

Kenji Johjima opts out of final two years  —  One of the thorniest issues the Seattle Mariners faced - what to do with catcher Kenji Johjima - has been resolved: The 33-year-old catcher has decided to return to Japan with two years left on his contract.  —  “After lots of very deep thought …

Cards' options at third will start with Freese  —  Last season third base represented the Cardinals' greatest offensive frustration.  —  Next season the position provides a most obvious choice between pricey experience and more economic potential.  —  Only a week has passed since team …

Inbox: No reunion likely for traded Bucs  —  MLB.com's Langosch answers fans' questions … Do you think the Pirates will try to sign any of their traded players as free agents this winter, especially John Grabow or Jack Wilson?  — Fran P., Overland Park, Kan.

Blogger Nine Innings: Steve Keane  —  The Mets haven't been playing for weeks, but Mets fans are still taking their time to get over the disastrous season that transpired in Flushing this year.  That includes blogger Steve Keane of The Eddie Kranepool Society, who stops by Touching Base today …

Leyland, Guillen mend rift over role  —  Understanding reached regarding position, playing time  —  DETROIT — If there was any question that the frustrations from a Tigers season that ended in disappointment are still fresh, the proof came this weekend and Monday, when they exposed a rift …

Agent Scott Boras compares Matt Holliday to Yankees Mark Teixeira  —  ‘These guys are blue-collar superstars,’ he says of his two clients.  The Cardinals outfielder is expected to be among the top free agents available this winter.  —  Scott Boras threw out the ceremonial first pitch in free agency today …

Brewers pick Peterson to straighten out arms  —  By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel  —  As new pitching coach of the Milwaukee Brewers, Rick Peterson is no stranger to manager Ken Macha or bench coach Willie Randolph.  —  The Brewers have selected Peterson to help turn around …

Saturday's AFL roundup  —  Simmons, Snyder lead Dogs to fourth straight win  —  Desert Dogs 11, Rafters 2  —  Athletics prospect James Simmons tossed three scoreless innings and Phoenix used a pair of five-run outbursts to post its fourth straight win.  The former first-round pick yielded …

Hawpe Not On Market  —  Brad Hawpe found himself watching more than playing in the post-season for the Rockies.  He, however, rmeans a key part in the Rockies long-range planning.  —  Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd has been surprised by media reports that the Rockies wll look to trade Hawpe …