MacPhail resigns as Cubs president  —  John McDonough will serve as interim president  —  Andy MacPhail resigned as president of the Cubs on Sunday.  —  MacPhail will remain with the team to ensure a smooth transition to a new president and to complete his assignment representing Major League Baseball …

Opponent Is Set, and Mets Look Inward  —  Several hours before the Mets knew they would be playing the Los Angeles Dodgers in the opener of the National League division series that begins Wednesday, David Wright said that the team sitting in the other dugout would not really matter.

Padres wrap up NL West title  —  Friars edge D-Backs, head home for NLDS vs. Cardinals  —  PHOENIX — The Padres claimed back-to-back National League West titles for the first time in franchise history when they beat the Diamondbacks, 7-6, on Sunday in front of 48,946 at Chase Field …

Clemens, Pettitte deny Grimsley report  —  Houston pitchers say they've never used illegal substances  —  ATLANTA — Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens heard the rumors months ago, when the infamous affidavit was posted online for the public to view.  —  They had heard that their names …

Report: Marlins to dismiss Girardi, name successor  —  Despite a season that far exceeded expectations, the Florida Marlins will move quickly this week to dismiss manager Joe Girardi and name a successor, a source familiar with the Marlins situation told ESPN Insider's Jerry Crasnick.

Lind's blast lifts Jays over Yanks  —  Two-run shot ends Toronto's 2006 season on high note  —  NEW YORK — For the last time this season, John Gibbons tossed his hat onto a clubhouse desk and leaned back in his chair.  The Blue Jays' skipper sported a grin as he discussed Toronto's final contest …

Walker defends Sox power strategy  —  Hitting coach puzzled by negativity surrounding homers  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Ask Greg Walker if he is ready for the offseason to begin, and the affable White Sox hitting coach will offer up a resigned smile with his response.  —  "It's disappointing that it's beginning so soon," Walker said.

Playoff matchups set; Tigers to open at Yankee Stadium  —  NEW YORK (AP) — If the Detroit Tigers are going to extend their surprising season by making a run in the playoffs, they'll have to get past the New York Yankees.  —  After wasting several chances to wrap up an AL Central title …

MLB's postseason eight is set  —  NL West, AL Central to be decided on final day of season  —  Never in Major League Baseball history have so many fates been decided so late, but finally the 2006 postseason is all set.  —  Here are the Division Series opening matchups:  —  Tigers at Yankees, 8 p.m. ET Tuesday

Hansack takes on O's in season finale  —  Baltimore (70-91) at Boston (85-76), 2:05 p.m. ET  —  The Red Sox enter Game No. 162 needing a victory to have any chance of finishing the season with a share of second place in the American League East.  Entering the contest against the Orioles …

No need to fire Buck; he'll resign  —  In Seattle today, Buck Showalter will manage his final game with the Rangers.  —  That's not a scoop, nor is it an announcement.  —  Owner Tom Hicks, in fact, told the [Randy] Galloway and Co. radio audience on ESPN/103.3 FM on Friday that the manager's fate remains "open-ended."

Cardinals hold on for third consecutive NL Central title  —  ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals clinched their third straight NL Central title Sunday when the second-place Houston Astros lost 3-1 in Atlanta.  —  A sellout crowd at Busch Stadium stood and broke into an impromptu tomahawk chop …

Alou would like to stay in baseball in 2007  —  SAN FRANCISCO - Felipe Alou would like to stay in baseball after this season, even if he is no longer a manager for the San Francisco Giants or another club.  —  The Giants are expected to announce as soon as Monday that Alou, whose contract is up …

Pirates Notebook: McClatchy expected to stay in place  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  Kevin McClatchy leaving?  —  Not anytime soon, apparently.  —  At some point in the week ahead, the Pirates' managing general partner, whose contract expires this year, will make an announcement regarding his status.

Notes: Postseason plans in flux  —  Lowe to start Game 1; rest of starting rotation up in the air  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Grady Little deflected question after question about the importance of beating the Giants on Sunday, of trying to win the division and start the playoffs at home …

Pen will tell story  —  Unit's mound session today will let him know if his bad back can go  —  Randy Johnson will climb atop the bullpen mound at Yankee Stadium this morning and test his aching back.  Only then will he begin to know if he can do the same thing on a real mound in the playoffs.

Giambi Injury Puts Sheffield at First Base for Playoffs  —  Playing is optional this weekend for the Yankees' regular lineup.  Derek Jeter is in it and charging toward a batting title, one point behind the leader with one game to play.  Jason Giambi took a day to rest his left wrist, which almost certainly needs surgery.