Giants use Cain, smack Rangers into 2-0 hole  —  SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants' 9-0 rout Thursday over the Texas Rangers included the usual helpings of “torture” but also the hallmarks of a championship team.  —  Matt Cain, the Giants' budding October star, hastened their victory in Game 2 …

Marlins had their chance to get Ozzie Guillen  —  Sox said Florida, Ozzie could talk — but it never happened  —  SAN FRANCISCO — As Ozzie Guillen stepped to the Fox TV platform nestled between the giant Coca-Cola bottle and old-time mitt in left-center field at AT&T Park on Thursday …

Giants' Jose Guillen Linked to Drug Investigation  —  Jose Guillen, the San Francisco Giants outfielder, was kept off the team's postseason roster shortly after federal authorities informed Major League Baseball that he was tied to an investigation into shipments of performance-enhancing drugs …

Twins Pick Up Kubel's Option, Decline Punto's  —  The Twins exercised Jason Kubel's $5.25MM option for 2011 and turned down Nick Punto's $5MM option, according to MLB.com's Kelly Thesier (on Twitter).  —  Kubel posted a .249/.323/.427 line this year and his lowest OPS since 2006.

Live: Quotes and Notes from Alderson  —  The news conference announcing Sandy Alderson as GM can be seen live on SNY, as well as heard on WFAN.com.  —  Here are some quotes and notes, for those who are unable to tune in:  — He said: “We are going to work and we are gonna work smart …

Parrish brought on as Braves hitting coach  —  The Braves have finished fleshing out the coaching staff for new manager Fredi Gonzalez, and they announced Friday that former big league player and manager Larry Parrish will serve as the team's new hitting coach.  Parrish will replace former Brave Terry Pendleton.

Jenrry Mejia Comment  —  More photos » Kathy Willens - AP  —  about 1 month ago: New York Mets starting pitcher Jenrry Mejia delivers in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a baseball game in New York, Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010.  Mejia was removed from the game in the third inning with an apparent injury.

DAVID ORTIZ EXPLAINS WHY HE WANTS MORE THAN A ONE-YEAR DEAL FROM THE RED SOX  —  Starting with a relatively placid tone before working up to a series of intense declarations, the slugger left absolutely no room for interpretation when it came to his thoughts on the past, present, and future:

Continued: Childress ponders having Favre sit  —  While the injury certainly would factor into the decision, Childress also has been upset with Favre's play this season.  Favre has 14 turnovers, including 10 interceptions, during the Vikings' 2-4 start.  Childress caused renewed discussion …

Watney has staying power with NESN  —  Heidi Watney doesn't hesitate to acknowledge that her name is often tangled up with rumors, ranging from the harmless to the scandalous.  —  “It comes with the territory,” said Watney, who has spent three seasons as NESN's Red Sox reporter.  “But no, it's not fun.”

When a team wins the first two World Series games . . .  Well, the Giants just won Game Two, just as last night they won Game One.  What does the future hold?  Well, let's see what the past holds.  —  Prior to tonight, a team has gone up two games to none in the World Series 50 times.

Mattingly runs out of hurlers in AFL game  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — Don Mattingly ran out of pitchers during the Peoria Saguaros' 15-1 shellacking of his Phoenix Desert Dogs during Thursday afternoon's Arizona Fall League action.  —  That dearth of available hurlers for the Desert Dogs manager …

Mets Get More Time to Negotiate With Takahashi  —  The Mets and the new agent for Hisanori Takahashi have received permission from Major League Baseball and the Players Association to push back the deadline for signing him, probably for about another week, although the exact date has not been determined.

Wakefield wins 2010 Clemente Award  —  Red Sox knuckleballer's charitable actions earn recognition  —  Dependability and loyalty are two words as synonymous with Tim Wakefield as the knuckleball that has kept him going for all these years.  Whether it is on the field or in the community, Wakefield has always been there when needed.

Padres Sign Dominican Outfielder Moreno  —  The Padres have signed Dominican outfielder Edwin Moreno for $500,000.  —  Moreno, who turned 17 yesterday, was one of the top prospects on the international market with several above-average tools at the plate and in the field.