Epstein's blunders paved way for Boston's collapse  —  It is difficult to figure out the proper spelling of how a choke sounds.  Is it ggggaaahhh?  Or ccccccchhhhh?  Maybe aaaaaack?  In lieu of a proper answer, perhaps it's best to go with something anyone can spell and on which everyone should agree: B-O-S-T-O-N.

Yankees' Rivera sets MLB mark with 602nd save  —  NEW YORK — It's been said again and again over his 16-year career.  And now it's official: Mariano Rivera is the top closer in baseball history.  —  Rivera  —  The seemingly ageless right-hander recorded his 602nd career save on Monday …

Wells doesn't expect to opt out of contract  —  BALTIMORE - The ink was barely dry on the seven-year, $126 million contract extension Vernon Wells signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in December 2006 before it was being called one of the worst contracts in baseball.

The current favorites for Fielder … Brewers star first baseman Prince Fielder is generally considered one of the three mega free agents of the 2011-12 offseason, along with Albert Pujols and Jose Reyes.  But so far Fielder's impending free agency hasn't garnered quite the publicity as the other two.

Kerry Wood out for 2011, may retire … CHICAGO — Cubs relief pitcher Kerry Wood said he has a torn meniscus in his left knee and will miss the remainder of the season, and he said if the Cubs aren't interested in bringing him back next season he'll retire.  —  “I'm not going to play anywhere else,” Wood said.

Carp's 5 RBIs Lead Mariners Past Indians 12-6  —  CLEVELAND (AP) — Mike Carp hit a grand slam into the second deck in right field and drove in five runs during Seattle's nine-run third inning, leading the Mariners to a rain-shortened 12-6 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Monday.

Theriot gets a rare start  —  PHILADELPHIA  • Ryan Theriot found his way into the starting lineup Sunday night for only the third time this month as he received an opportunity against Philadelphia Phillies lefthander Cole Hamels.  —  Unseated as Cardinals starting shortstop …

2011 Arizona League Top 20 Prospects  —  The Rookie-level Arizona League expanded for a third straight year, increasing to 13 teams in 2011 with the Diamondbacks adding a third short-season affiliate to play at their new Salt River Fields training complex.  The addition of four clubs since 2008 …

Players endorse paying Prince-ly sum  —  LOS ANGELES — Go ahead and laugh off rumors that the bankrupt Dodgers will sign soon-to-be free agent Prince Fielder to a Powerball-sized payday.  —  But they're not laughing in the Dodgers' clubhouse.  They're serious in the belief that Fielder …

Investor Talked to Mets but Buys Part of Yankees  —  Ray Bartoszek, a longtime Mets fan and former oil trader who was a finalist to buy a significant stake in the Mets earlier this year, has instead emerged as the newest limited partner with the Yankees, according to two people with knowledge of the transaction.