Martinez, Johnson cause for concern  —  While their potential division series opponents have been busy tearing through each other's skin to get to the postseason — and avoid a first-round matchup with baseball's two superpowers — the Yankees and Mets wouldn't seem to have any worries.

So much for Meredith getting the night off  —  ST. LOUIS - The Cla Meredith phenomenon has shifted into a new realm.  —  Even when Meredith is scheduled for a night off, he helps propel the Padres toward another win.  —  Manager Bruce Bochy, changing his pregame plan to rest the torrid rookie …

It's time to cut off boozy celebrations  —  According to published reports — and when was the last time one of those gave you a bum steer? — the Detroit Tigers celebrated the clinching of their first postseason berth since 1987 with 220 bottles of champagne.

Requiem for a champion  —  A month ago when the Red Sox collapsed, the baseball world cried out in a mix of horror and glee that could have been heard in Siberia.  This week, the defending World Series champion White Sox were eliminated from playoff contention.

Police report: Owens hospitalized after suicide attempt  —  Terrell Owens will address the media at a 3:30 p.m. ET news conference outside the Cowboys' practice facility after an internal police report indicated he tried to kill himself by overdosing on prescription pain medication …

Know-it-all rookies frustrate Baker, Blanco  —  One of the problems with the Cubs' rookie pitchers is they don't believe they need to follow the advice of their veteran catcher.  —  At least that's what manager Dusty Baker told the media Wednesday while applauding the work of catcher Henry Blanco.

Talent Fills HWB Rosters  —  The minor league season officially ended a little over a week ago in San Bernadino, Calf., where high Class A Inland Empire toppled Visalia for the California League title.  —  That was the final postseason series to come to an end, and now it's time for prospect season to begin.

Notes: Maroth off playoff roster  —  Leyland makes tough decision to hold out left-hander  —  DETROIT — Manager Jim Leyland hesitated for a couple seconds when asked whether making cuts from a postseason roster is as difficult as making cuts in Spring Training.  This is why.

Notes: Multiple tiebreaker scenarios  —  Astros, Cardinals and Reds could all finish tied atop Central  —  PITTSBURGH — Most of the talk involving a possible tie in the National League Central division has revolved around the Astros and Cardinals, who would meet for a one-game "play in" on Tuesday at Minute Maid Park.

Agent: Bonds will play in '07, expects Giants to call  —  Barry Bonds, who is only 21 home runs behind Hank Aaron, will play in 2007, his agent told the Los Angeles Times.  —  "Barry's going to play in 2007," Jeff Borris of Beverly Hills Sports Council told the paper on Tuesday.

Dodgers beat Rox, move up in NL West  —  LA rallies back from three-run deficit; Lowe earns win No. 16  —  DENVER — The Dodgers rallied from a three-run deficit on Wednesday night to beat the Rockies, 6-4, pulling them within a game of the first-place Padres in the National League West …

Pujols saves Cardinals to snap skid  —  Lead-changing homer in eighth puts end to seven-game slide  —  ST. LOUIS — When his team needed him most, Albert Pujols delivered what may have been the biggest regular-season hit of his already incredible career.  Pujols hammered a three-run homer …

Spikes, Pirates tie knot  —  UNIVERSITY PARK — There's a beautiful new minor league ballpark here, but really, there was no reason for baseball fans in Blair County to go see it in 2006.  —  There will be in 2007 and beyond.  —  The worst-kept secret in the minors revealed itself Monday …