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 …

Well-stocked bullpen gives Rockies some trade options  —  Contact: 303-954-1301 or trenck@ denverpost.com  —  HOUSTON — The Rockies' season is measured more by MRIs than RBIs.  It has been an unmitigated disaster, with injuries and underwhelming performances siphoning any and all optimism.

Orioles Fall to Tigers 10-6  —  DETROIT (AP) — Brian Matusz is in line to break a record held by Roy Halladay — but it's not a very flattering one.  —  Matusz gave up six runs and seven hits in five innings Sunday in Baltimore's 10-6 loss to the Detroit Tigers.

Braves lose to Nationals 3-0, hurting playoff bid  —  WASHINGTON - Altanta's NL wild-card lead was cut to one game over St. Louis, with the top four hitters in the Braves' lineup, including Chipper Jones and Dan Uggla, going a combined 0 for 16 with five strikeouts Sunday in a 3-0 loss to the Washington Nationals.

Phillies end eight-game losing streak in romp over Mets  —  NEW YORK — Roy Halladay, Hunter Pence and the fully loaded Philadelphia Phillies snapped their eight-game losing streak, looking playoff-ready in every way Sunday by routing the New York Mets 9-4.  —  Playing their regular lineup …

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.

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 …

Jocketty to meet with Phillips' agents in NY  —  PITTSBURGH — One of the major issues on the Reds offseason plate is trying to sign second baseman Brandon Phillips beyond next season.  —  Although Phillips' $12 million club option hasn't formally been exercised, general manager Walt Jocketty …

Rangers hit 4 HRs in 12-5 win over Mariners  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — Yorvit Torrealba homered in consecutive innings, including a grand slam, after Derek Holland pitched his scheduled five innings for his 16th victory and the AL West champion Texas Rangers beat Seattle 12-5 Sunday in their final home game of the regular season.

Rays sink Blue Jays to close within half-game of Red Sox  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — B.J. Upton and Ben Zobrist homered in the first inning to back Wade Davis, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-2 Sunday to pull within a half-game of the Boston Red Sox for the AL wild-card lead.