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 …

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

Final Score: Mets 2 Phillies 1  —  The Mets defeated the Phillies by the score of 2-1 at Citi Field this afternoon.  —  For a full recap and box score, check out SNY.TV.  —  The Least You Should Know:  — R.A. Dickey started for the Mets and he was absolutely brilliant …

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.

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.

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 …

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.