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.

Blum re-signs with Astros  —  Veteran inks one-year deal with option for '11  —  HOUSTON — With the Astros facing uncertainty on the left side of the infield next season, the club re-signed veteran infielder Geoff Blum on Friday to serve as both a stabilizing presence on the field and in the clubhouse.

Close calls swing momentum in Game 2  —  Double-play rulings help, then hurt Phils in late innings  —  NEW YORK — Before Game 2 of the World Series on Thursday night, Commissioner Bud Selig told a group of reporters that recent discussions about the possibility of expanding Major League …

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.

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.

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 …

New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez halfway to World Series record of 12 strikeouts  —  Alex Rodriguez basically carried the Yankees for the first two rounds of the playoffs.  —  It looks like it's time for his teammates to begin returning the favor.  —  A-Rod struck out three times …

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.