Rolen surprised, irked by being left on bench  —  NEW YORK — A slow-growing fissure between Cardinals manager Tony La Russa and his Gold Glove third baseman threatened to rupture Friday when Scott Rolen was benched in favor of Scott Spiezio in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series at Shea Stadium.

Chavez: 'We've run into a better team' … DETROIT — They stand in the quiet locker room and tell you this series isn't over.  They tell you they came here to win and that they're not just going to provide a doormat for the Tigers to march their way to their first World Series in 22 years.

Haren rested for pivotal Game 4 start  —  Righty won ALDS clincher, will pitch on seven days' rest  —  DETROIT — Dan Haren was last seen pitching the A's to a Division Series-clinching, Game 3 victory over the Twins.  That six-inning, two-run performance usually isn't the type of thing …

A-Rod OK After Plane Skids Off Calif. Runway  —  Agent Scott Boras Confirms; No Injuries Reported  —  (CBS/AP) BURBANK, Calif. A private jet, carrying Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez and six others, overran a runway at Bob Hope Airport on Friday and was brought to a halt by an arresting system.

Farrell now warming up for Red Sox  —  Eight-year big leaguer expected to be named new pitching coach  —  John Farrell, a 44-year-old New Jersey native who pitched parts of eight seasons in the big leagues and for one season was Terry Francona's teammate in Cleveland, is expected to be named Red Sox pitching coach.

Yankees fire advance scouts  —  Cashman says Taylor, Cottier will be replaced  —  Joe Torre's job was spared, but the Yankees have fired their two long-time advance scouts, Wade Taylor and Chuck Cottier.  Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed the firings but said the decision …

Negotiations continue for Biggio's return  —  Veteran's agent confident deal for 2007 will happen soon  —  HOUSTON — While it's a foregone conclusion that Craig Biggio will be wearing an Astros uniform next year, the club is still in negotiations with the second baseman's agent, Barry Axelrod …

How to fix the Yankees for 2007  —  Much has been written about the Yankees' failure to advance in this year's postseason.  Combined with recent failures since their last World Series title in 2000, the Yankees faithful have offered a multitude of excuses as to why a team that is so successful during …

Rays re-sign utilityman Norton  —  Second-half surge helped switch-hitter enjoy career season  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Greg Norton came into the 2006 season not knowing what to expect after spending the last four years on three different teams.  On Friday, Norton breathed a little easier …

A likely new twist to Cubs' list  —  Padres' Bochy expected to join managerial derby  —  Just when it appeared the Cubs' managerial search was winding down, a new candidate is expected to land on general manager Jim Hendry's interview list — possibly by today.