Research Notes … ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Down by nine games in early September, down by seven runs on the final day of the season.  —  And yet somehow, these Tampa Bay Rays made it to the playoffs.  —  Evan Longoria capped a startling comeback by hitting his second home run of the game …

Wakefield: “I definitely want to come back” in 2012  —  No matter what happens to the Red Sox in their 162nd game - or 163rd, for that matter - Tim Wakefield isn't ready to call it a career.  —  Wakefield, 45, said in an interview Tuesday that he fully expects to return to the Red Sox next year.

Reyes Hits, Then Sits and Eventually Celebrates  —  Citi Field was expected to be the stage Wednesday for a bit of drama featuring one of baseball's most effervescent characters.  —  Jose Reyes was entering the last day of the regular season locked in a battle with Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers …

Marlins start ‘new era,’ introduce skipper Guillen  —  MIAMI — Ozzie Guillen was introduced as the Florida Marlins' manager at a news conference before their final game of the 2011 season and last ever at Sun Life Stadum.  —  “Welcome to a new era in Marlins baseball,” owner Jeffrey Loria said …

Kemp Makes History in LA's 7-5 Win Over D-Backs  —  PHOENIX (AP) — Matt Kemp hit a two-run homer to become the first Dodgers player in 70 years to lead the NL in home runs and RBIs, and Los Angeles held off a late rally to beat the playoff-bound Arizona Diamondbacks 7-5 on Wednesday night.

Braves Complete Colossal Collapse, Lose to Phils  —  ATLANTA (AP) — With the season on the line, the Atlanta Braves couldn't get the final three outs.  —  Now, they'll have the whole winter to ponder an unprecedented collapse.  —  Braves closer Craig Kimbrel surrendered the tying run in the ninth …

Tolman ends tenure as Indians bench coach  —  Cleveland plans to shift Alomar to role alongside Acta next year  —  DETROIT — Tim Tolman has decided the time has come to leave the Indians' bench.  —  On Wednesday, Cleveland announced that Tolman and the team mutually agreed that he would step …

Perfect Greinke Gives Brewers Home-Field Advantage  —  MILWAUKEE (AP) — Zack Grienke capped a perfect season at home to help the Milwaukee Brewers clinch home-field advantage in the first round of playoffs with a 7-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night.

Pavano, Twins Top Royals 1-0, Avoid 100 Losses  —  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Trevor Plouffe's RBI single with two outs in the ninth inning gave Carl Pavano and the Twins a 1-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday, helping Minnesota stave off a 100-loss season.

Cardinals smoke Astros in final game  —  HOUSTON (AP) — Chris Carpenter and the St. Louis Cardinals earned at least a tie for the NL wild card, beating the Houston Astros 8-0 on Wednesday night.  —  The Cardinals and Atlanta began the day even in the wild card race.

Yanks to start rookie Betances tonight  —  The Yankess will start rookie Dellin Betances against the Rays tonight.  The Rays, seeking to win the wild-card outright, or at least force a one-game playoff, will start David Price.  —  Bentances, 23, a native New Yorker, made his major-league debut …

Lee hints he might retire after 2012 season  —  HOUSTON — Astros slugger Carlos Lee reiterated Wednesday night what he first said a year ago, hinting that he might retire when his six-year, $100-million contract expires following the 2012 season, citing family reasons.

Cabrera stakes claim to batting title, Tigers top Indians  —  DETROIT — Miguel Cabrera singled and doubled, all but wrapping up the American League batting title, and Jhonny Peralta hit a tie-breaking homer in the eighth inning to help the Detroit Tigers beat the Cleveland Indians 5-4 on Wednesday night.

Rockies Beat Giants to End ‘Disappointing’ Season  —  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The postgame hugs and handshakes had little zest.  —  The Colorado Rockies piled out of the dugout and moved in from all corners of the infield to congratulate themselves on the only thing left to celebrate …

Ryan Roberts hits winning slam, does Kirk Gibson home run trot  —  Unbelievable!  In a year that has been so improbable, Ryan Roberts(notes) of the Arizona Diamondbacks hit a seemingly impossible game-winning grand slam and paid tribute to his iconic manager as he trotted around the bases.