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.

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.

Look who's back in the playoffs  —  Grady Little and Pedro Martinez always will be linked, and that's fine with them.  They still are as close as they were on the night three years ago when Martinez pretty much cost Little his job.  —  "I love that kid like a brother," Little said yesterday …

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 …

One Inning for Rivera and That's It, Torre Says  —  For 10 years, Mariano Rivera has been Joe Torre's greatest weapon in the postseason.  Torre has been unafraid to use Rivera for more than one inning, extending the dominance of a closer who is bound for the Hall of Fame.

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 …

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.

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 …

GAME 1 IS A MUST WIN!  —  Billy Wagner, the Mets' fire-balling lefty closer, offers his exclusive insights to Post readers throughout the Amazin's post-season run.  —  AM I excited to be in New York on a winner?  Does a one-legged duck swim in circles?  —  This town is the greatest.

All Right, If You Want to Be That Way....  ALDS Game 1.  Darth Thomas 3, Twins 2.  —  Ah, no, you didn't expect this to be easy, did you?  You didn't expect it to go according to plan.  For if you did, then I'm sorry, but you have been watching some other team this season …