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 …

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:

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 …

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.

Worked and didn't work for Joe Girardi  —  The Yankees are basically a press release away from retaining Joe Girardi as manager.  He's coming off a season in which he was constantly second-guessed by the fan base and the media, especially down the stretch.  Like any manager, though, he had a year of good decisions and bad.

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 …

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.

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.”

Mauer doesn't need surgery on left knee  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Joe Mauer will not need to have surgery on his left knee, Twins general manager Bill Smith confirmed on Thursday afternoon.  —  Mauer, who was bothered by what was described as inflammation in his left knee over the final few weeks of the season …