Nationals Could Try to Hire Girardi  —  Joe Girardi, fired yesterday as the manager of the Florida Marlins despite a season in which he became a leading candidate for the National League's manager of the year award, could become a prime target of the Washington Nationals, sources close to the situation said yesterday.

Moving From Red Sox Nation to the Dodgers' Galaxy  —  Derek Lowe walked into an interview room at Shea Stadium yesterday, placed his glove over a folding chair, tested the microphone and formally introduced himself.  —  Then he issued what should have been an obvious disclaimer.

Always a gamer, Hernandez says, 'I think I can do it'  —  Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez, who has enjoyed so many memorable Octobers, had his injured right calf in a bucket of ice on the eve of his latest postseason start.  —  "Hopefully I can pitch," he told Newsday last night.  "My plan is to go out there.

Phillies' organist, Paul Richardson, dies  —  Paul Richardson, 74, whose 36 years of organ music was as much a part of Philadelphia baseball as the Phanatic's antics or Harry Kalas' voice, died of prostate cancer Monday at home in Wilmington.  —  Starting in 1970, Mr. Richardson wowed …

Follow the Jeter  —  Yanks captain goes 5-for-5 with homer to burn Tigers  —  NEW YORK (AP) — In the New York Yankees' modern-day Murderers' Row, one player always stands out: Derek Jeter.  —  The Yankees captain tied the postseason record for hits, going 5-for-5 with two doubles …

Yank spotter on auto-pilot  —  So here is another thing to blame on Dick Cheney.  Ever since the Vice President's unsolicited visit to the Stadium on June 29, 2004, Bleacher Creatures have been pushed a good 50 yards away from the VIP entrance where the Yankee players enter before the game.

Beimel's status in jeopardy  —  Left-handed reliever injured in freak accident in hotel room  —  NEW YORK — Reliever Joe Beimel suffered a bloody gash to his pitching hand in a freak hotel accident Tuesday morning, leaving him in stitches and the Dodgers bullpen roster spots in limbo …

No one talking after Rangers meeting  —  Management remains mum on the future of Showalter  —  The sound of silence was deafening again Tuesday as the Rangers' top management troika met at the estate of owner Tom Hicks to discuss the future of manager Buck Showalter.

Analysis: Creativity, confidence keys heading into 2007  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  On the penultimate day of spring training, in the visitors' clubhouse at Fort Myers, Fla., shortstop Jack Wilson put forth the most accurate prediction of the year regarding the Pirates …

Three coaches won't return to Phils  —  Bombard, Dancy and Varsho relieved of duties  —  PHILADELPHIA — Charlie Manuel will return to manage the Phillies in 2007, but he'll be searching for three new coaches.  —  "[Manuel will] be back for 2007," general manager Pat Gillick said when reached by phone on Tuesday night.

Vernon, Travis worthy of Hall  —  There's good news these days for older sports fans who remember when Mickey Vernon was plying his graceful trade at first base for the original Washington Senators in the 1940s and 1950s: His name is back on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot courtesy of the Veterans Committee …

Indians exercise 2007 club options on RHP Jake Westbrook and OF/INF Casey Blake  —  Westbrook won 15 games for second consecutive season; Blake raised average 41 points in 2006 after hitting .282 w/19 HR and 68 RBI  —  CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians today announced the club has exercised …