Nats Prepare to Part Ways With Robinson  —  The Washington Nationals are preparing to tell Frank Robinson that he will not be asked back as manager next season, sources said yesterday.  —  Team President Stan Kasten declined to comment on the decision last night.

Pujols punishes Padres  —  NL West lead is trimmed to a game over the Dodgers  —  ST. LOUIS - The Padres had vowed not to let Albert Pujols beat them during their three nights in St. Louis.  On the third night, he did.  —  Punishing the Padres for allowing him the chance to decide the game …

Mets' Rotation May Get Jolted After Martínez's Abysmal Outing  —  The 61st and final pitch Pedro Martínez threw Wednesday night was a breaking ball that barely broke.  It floated through the strike zone, the kind of pitch begging to be sent screaming in the opposite direction …

Fenty's First Challenge — the Stadium  —  Mayor-to-be Adrian Fenty is probably marveling at the sheer irony of the situation — a project he voted against may become his first challenge as the District's chief executive.  —  As the Post reported last weekend, the development plans …

Seaver remains Mets' biggest hero  —  'The Franchise' wins Hometown Hero Award by vote of fans  —  Long before NFL negotiations created the franchise player, the Mets had The Franchise.  And The Franchise was a player, a pitcher of such prowess and distinction that he exceeded the boundaries …

Royals see Angel in the infield  —  GM Moore says the team still views struggling Berroa as a key player in the rebuilding plan.  —  Here's the official line: The Royals don't plan to address Angel Berroa's declining production and seasonlong struggles by shopping this winter for another starting shortstop.

Notes: Migraines end Otsuka's season  —  Rangers shut down closer because of severe headaches  —  ANAHEIM — On Sept. 10, Akinori Otsuka recorded his 32nd save in a 4-2 victory against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field.  —  Otsuka gave up a couple hits in the ninth inning …

Some required reading  —  Follow me for a second...Everyone in the free world hates Terrell Owens, probably more than Osama Bin Laden, as recently as yesterday.  Then a report surfaces that he tried and failed to commit suicide.  So everyone who hated him then felt sorry for him.

Studes' Fielding Awards  —  It's not only postseason chase time, it's awards time.  Lots of folks are proclaiming their choices for MVP (my picks: Derek Jeter and Carlos Beltran; yeah, yeah, I have an East Coast bias) and Cy Young (my picks: Johan Santana and Brandon Webb) awards.

Notes: Rottino eased in  —  Struggling offense has limited rookie's playing time  —  CHICAGO — Local kid turned Brewers prospect Vinny Rottino made his third Major League start on Wednesday and his first in the outfield.  Playing time has been tough to come by, but the product of Racine, Wis. is not complaining.

Hurdle believes money available to aid wish list  —  A summer swoon not only spoiled the Rockies' season, but shaped their offseason wish list.  Colorado will attempt to add an everyday center fielder, an eighth-inning reliever and a bat off the bench.  More important, manager Clint Hurdle …

Mariners Notebook: Soriano wants to be a starter  —  Setup man eager to get back on mound after suffering concussion  —  Rafael Soriano not only wants to get back on the mound, he wants to get up there and stay awhile.  —  Speaking publicly for the first time since suffering …

Rays blast off against Beckett  —  Sox starter's exit is far from a hit  —  With all the questions that have flowed through Josh Beckett's initial season with the Red Sox — Why all the home runs?  When is he going to live up to his potential?  Why did Anibal Sanchez, and not Beckett …

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.

Marlins' Olsen, Moehler will not be suspended  —  Major League Baseball will not suspend Marlins pitchers Scott Olsen and Brian Moehler, who were ejected last weekend in Philadelphia after hitting batters.  —  Moehler was ejected Saturday after he hit Ryan Howard.