Lee's stellar pitching lifts Texas, but free agency is looming  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — As the Texas Rangers convened behind closed clubhouse doors July 9, manager Ron Washington announced to his players the move that forever changed the franchise.  —  “We have traded,” Washington said, “for Cliff Lee.”

Tragedy  —  My favorite part about sitting in the Yankee Stadium press box is getting the chance to watch Bill Shannon, the official scorer, in action.  Shannon, who for years was the head of public relations at MSG, was ripped out of the pages of Damon Runyon.

Alderson's Skill Set A Good Fit for Mets  —  When Kevin Towers learned that he would be working under Sandy Alderson, he considered changing jobs, so great and wide a shadow did he believe his new boss cast.  —  Mr. Towers had been hired as the San Diego Padres' general manager in 1995 …

Nats to unveil uniform changes Nov. 10  —  After months of rumors and speculation, the Nats are set to unveil significant changes to their uniforms on Nov. 10 at Nats Park.  The team will hold a fashion show event at the stadium, and will show off at least three styles of uniforms.

Baseball union head says players open to expanding playoffs  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Baseball's playoffs could be expanding in two years.  —  The new head of the players' union says his members are open to adding more wild-card teams for 2012 and possibly extending the division series to a best-of-seven.

Yanks, Girardi will open contract talks  —  The Yankees and Joe Girardi are beginning contract talks Monday that are expected to keep Girardi as manager an additional three years.  —  Girardi's new deal is expected to pay him about $3 million a year, according to sources.

Minor League Transactions: Oct. 15-25  —  Arizona Diamondbacks  —  Atlanta Braves  —  Removed from 40-man roster: C J.C. Boscan  —  Baltimore Orioles  —  Assigned to Arizona Fall League: RHP Oliver Drake, RHP Pat Egan, RHP Wynn Pelzer, C Caleb Joseph, 1B Tyler Townsend, 2B Ryan Adams, SS Greg Miclat, OF Xavier Avery

Jackson voted AL's top rookie by peers  —  DETROIT — Tigers center fielder and leadoff man Austin Jackson won his second American League rookie honor in just over a week, this time winning the vote of his fellow Major Leaguers for AL Outstanding Rookie in the Players Choice Awards.

Nats bring back manager Riggleman for 2011  —  As expected, Jim Riggleman will be at the helm of the Washington Nationals in 2011.  General manager Mike Rizzo officially made the announcement on Tuesday.  —  MLB.com previously reported in late September that Riggleman would return to his current position as manager next season.

Red Sox announce ticket prices for 2011  —  The Red Sox issued a press release announcing ticket prices for the 2011 season.  The team said that ticket prices in 16 categories of seats would remain the same, while approximately 30 percent of seats will be increased by no more than $5 a ticket.

Joe Girardi not ready to put DH tag on Jorge Posada; Brian Cashman admits Vazquez-Johnson gaffe  —  Jorge Posada is the only member of the Core Four with a contract for 2011, but how he'll fulfill that contract remains to be seen.  —  Posada, who turned 39 in August, started only 78 games behind …