New York Yankees' Derek Jeter receives prestigious Roberto Clemente Award before World Series Game 2  —  What already has been quite a year for Derek Jeter got even better Thursday night when the shortstop received what commissioner Bud Selig called “one of baseball's greatest honors.”

Philadelphia Phillies opt for Joe Blanton to start another Game 4  —  PHILADELPHIA — Joe Blanton was picked to start Game 4 of the World Series for the defending champion Philadelphia Phillies.  —  Manager Charlie Manuel said Friday he will go with Blanton against the New York Yankees rather than ace Cliff Lee on short rest.

Astros name bench, pitching coaches, re-sign Blum  —  Team declines option on relief pitcher Brocail  —  Al Pedrique, one of 10 candidates interviewed for the Astros' managerial position that Manny Acta declined before Brad Mills beat out Dave Clark for the post, has become Mills' bench coach.

A new era begins for Chicago Cubs  —  With the Ricketts family in control, expectation are high  —  As the Ricketts family spoke publicly for the first time Friday after officially taking over the Chicago National League Ball Club this week, a new era of Cubs baseball is being ushered in on the North Side.

Enough is enough with these blown calls  —  NEW YORK - Umpires added two more tick marks to their overflowing register of screw-ups Thursday night.  These came in Game 2 of a World Series in which Major League Baseball broke from protocol and brought in a specific crew of veteran arbiters …

Jeter Says His Bunt Attempt Was ‘Stupid’ Decision  —  Derek Jeter was blunt in describing his attempt to bunt with two strikes, which resulted in a strikeout and helped throttle a possible rally.  —  “That was me,” Jeter said.  “That was stupid.”  —  With the Yankees leading by 3-1 …

How Jay-Z ‘sort of’ bought my car  —  Here's how: I was looking to sell my Glenpointe (Teaneck) townhouse right after my divorce - the place was too big just for me, as I was still years away from a second marriage and a family in Westwood.  —  Glenpointe, however, was a terrific little community …

Freddy Sanchez inks two-year deal with Giants  —  SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Comcast SportsNet has confirmed that the Giants have reached a two-year deal with second-baseman Freddy Sanchez.  The contract specifics have not been released.  —  Sanchez is coming off successful surgery to repair the torn meniscus in his left knee.

McGwire being embraced by baseball, but he robbed the game … When most people think of Mark McGwire, one of three things enters their minds:  —  • Monstrous blasts that cleared the highest of walls and the most distant of gaps.  —  • Pathetic congressional testimony.

Analysis: Girardi Succumbs to Old Myths  —  Thanks to A.J. Burnett firing on all cylinders, and a pair of Yankees sluggers doing what they are paid for with solo home runs, the Yankees edged out a 3-1 victory in Game 2, tying the World Series at a game apiece as it heads to Philadelphia.