Red Sox's failings not Francona's fault  —  NEW YORK  —  It's not remotely fair, but Red Sox manager Terry Francona is in trouble.  —  His fate hardly is sealed — the Red Sox, pathetic as they look, remain talented enough to reach the World Series.  —  But if the Sox complete …

Will sun set Sunday on the Pujols era?  —  There never has been a day like Sunday will be at Busch Stadium because, as everyone on the continent surely knows, that might be the last day.  —  For the 854th time in his 11 seasons, Jose Alberto Pujols will hitch up the right hip of his pants …

Art Howe isn't happy about his portrayal in ‘Moneyball’  —  Former Oakland Athletics manager Art Howe (above, right) hasn't seen ‘Moneyball’ yet, but he's talked with people who have and he says he isn't thrilled with the way he's portrayed in the film.  —  One scene has Billy Beane …

Phils lose 8th straight, longest skid in 11 years  —  NEW YORK (AP)—With nothing left to play for in the regular season, the Philadelphia Phillies are playing as if they have nothing left.  —  Manager Charlie Manuel isn't sure how to fix it.  —  There's no reason to panic, his players say.

Orioles end Justin Verlander's streak, beat Tigers 6-5  —  DETROIT - Justin Verlander lost his streak of 12 consecutive winning starts, and the Baltimore Orioles went on to a 6-5 victory over the Detroit Tigers when Matt Angle executed a tiebreaking squeeze bunt in the ninth inning Saturday night.

Mets' Mike Pelfrey still searching for a new pitch after disappointing season  —  NEW YORK — On the eve of his final start in this most disappointing season, Mets starter Mike Pelfrey pondered the answer to a question that's both simple and confounding.  Most people wouldn't understand, Pelfrey explained.

Giants Eliminated From Postseason Contention  —  PHOENIX (AP) — Ian Kennedy pitched six innings to earn his NL-best 21st win and the Arizona Diamondbacks routed the San Francisco Giants 15-2 on Saturday night, eliminating the defending World Series champions from the postseason picture.

Stadium problem could preclude signing Willingham  —  Anaheim —  Oakland's shot at retaining Josh Willingham is slipping away, quite possibly for good.  —  Willingham's agent, Matt Sosnick, told The Chronicle on Saturday that he approached the team last week with various possibilities …

Rockies beat Astros to snap slide  —  HOUSTON — Chris Nelson walked with the bases loaded in the 13th inning and the Colorado Rockies snapped a nine-game losing streak with a 4-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Saturday night.  —  Pinch-hitter Tommy Field sparked the winning rally with a leadoff walk.

In Bold Move, MLB Files to Force Frank McCourt to Sell Dodgers  —  In a move that will test the powers of sports leagues over the control of their franchises, Major League Baseball has asked the bankruptcy judge overseeing the Chapter 11 case of the Dodgers to force Frank McCourt to sell …

Rangers use patchwork lineup to beat the Mariners  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — Seattle ace Felix Hernandez was forced out of the game when he took a line drive off his right forearm during the Rangers' six-run fourth inning Saturday, and Texas used a patchwork lineup to beat the Mariners 7-3 one day after it clinched the AL West title.