Sandy Alderson Speaks with Kevin Burkhardt  —  This afternoon at Citi Field, new Mets GM Sandy Alderson spoke with SNY's Kevin Burkhardt about managerial possibilities, contending, free agents, and team building, and essentially said the following:  — Alderson emphasized patience …

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 …

Does Florida Marlins slugger Dan Uggla deserve a Hanley Ramirez contract?  —  That's the question apparently being debated by the Marlins and Uggla's agent in their negotiations for a multi-year contract.  —  In the latest development, there are indications the Marlins may be willing …

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.”

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.

Official Elias Rankings  —  MLBTR has obtained the official Elias rankings for the upcoming offseason.  The list below includes all ranked free agents, including those who have already signed, those who say they'll retire and those whose options will likely be picked up.

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.