Hendry: 'Lou is the perfect guy'  —  Piniella, Cubs agree on three-year deal worth $10M-$12M  —  After two weeks of pink slips and resignation letters littering the landscape at Wrigley Field, the last-place Cubs are relieved to finally be announcing some good news today …

Surly Pujols mirrors Bonds at his worst  —  As he made another hasty and all-too-predictable retreat out of the Cardinals' clubhouse early Monday night, Albert Pujols snatched a crisp white game jersey off a locker stall hook, tossed it over his broad shoulders then slipped out the back door barely uttering a word.

Arrest warrant issued for Sox's Uribe  —  Lawyer says shortstop wasn't at place where shooting happened  —  An arrest warrant was issued Monday for White Sox shortstop Juan Uribe in connection with a shooting Friday night that wounded two men in the Dominican Republic.

TBS to broadcast division series, LCS games … NEW YORK — More of playoff baseball is headed to cable.  —  Major League Baseball announced an agreement with Turner Sports on Tuesday that gives the network exclusive rights to a league championship series.

Giants will talk to Black about job  —  PITCHING COACH HAS HISTORY WITH TEAM; TRAINER CONTE QUITS  —  The Giants are moving to the next phase in their search for a manager, and Los Angeles Angels pitching coach Bud Black will be part of the process.  —  Giants General Manager Brian Sabean called …

Pitching coach retained by Nats  —  ST. LOUIS — The Washington Nationals' new manager will inherit at least one key member of Frank Robinson's old staff: Randy St. Claire.  —  General manager Jim Bowden announced yesterday the well-respected pitching coach will return for his fifth season …

Lyons to Keep Part-Time Dodgers Job  —  Steve Lyons, fired by Fox for on-air comments the network deemed inappropriate, will keep his job as a part-time television commentator for the Dodgers.  —  The team, in a statement issued Monday, said Lyons would undergo diversity training and that he was given probationary guidelines.

Where Did the Mets Come From?  —  Since playing in the World Series six years ago, the New York Mets have been a perennial disappointment, going 377-431 over the next five years and not returning to the postseason until this season, as a combination of homegrown stars and bigmoney free agents cruised to the National League East title.

Rangers to interview A's Washington  —  ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Oakland Athletics third base coach Ron Washington will be the first of at least five candidates interviewed for the Texas Rangers' managerial vacancy.  —  Washington, a coach with the A's the past 11 seasons, will interview Tuesday.

Sox land pitching coach — Farrell leaves Indians to guide staff  —  John Farrell, the 44-year-old credited with much of the success for the talented young arms in the Cleveland Indians organization, will get a chance to do the same for the Red Sox.  Farrell was named the team's pitching coach yesterday.

Littlefield has high hopes for '07  —  General manager sat down with MLB.com to answer questions  —  As he has for the past five seasons, Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield has graciously agreed to continue to meet with MLB.com periodically throughout the Hot Stove months to provide insights on his club.

Yankees pitcher Lidle mourned at service  —  COVINA, Calif. —Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle was remembered as "a loving husband and an awesome father" Tuesday at a memorial attended by family, friends and teammates of the avid yet inexperienced pilot who was killed during an aerial tour of New York City.

Protrade: Is there a carryover?  —  September success does not mean October victories … This is one of the oldest and most reliable adages in sports.  But is it really true?  —  The baseball-writing establishment certainly thinks so.  Google the phrase "St. Louis Cardinals 2006 collapse" …