The right man for A's job: Dusty Baker  —  THE OAKLAND A'S need a new manager, but not just any ordinary manager.  They need that special someone who can carry them back to the World Series.  —  There is just such a man, and he is so obviously right for the job, Billy Beane should pick up the phone and hire him on the spot.

Williams urges patience with Uribe  —  White Sox GM awaits more info; other moves likely  —  One immediate reaction went through Ken Williams' mind upon hearing the weekend news of a shooting in the Dominican Republic allegedly involving shortstop Juan Uribe.

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.

Turner, MLB reach 7-year TV deal for LCS coverage  —  NEW YORK (AP) — TBS will alternate showing the NL and AL championship series for seven years starting next season under a television deal with Major League Baseball announced Tuesday.  —  Turner Broadcasting System paid about $310 million for the package.

Rest assured, Glavine ready  —  Met works up new routine for tonight's start  —  ST. LOUIS - The advantage for the Mets seems obvious enough, as last night's rainout allows them to use their best pitcher on his regular four days' rest.  Especially since their best pitcher happens to be 40 years old …

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 …

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 …

Full Play-by-Play St. Louis vs. New York  —  GameCenter  · Full Play-by-Play  · Box Score  · Recap  · Game Chart  · Photos  · Live Commentary (Glog)  —  METS 1ST  —  Jeff Weaver pitching:  —  Reyes singled to shallow left center.

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.

Mets already planning for 2007  —  ST. LOUIS (AP) — Mets general manager Omar Minaya walked into Dominic's, an Italian restaurant in the Hill section of St. Louis along with Jeff Wilpon, Tony Bernazard and some of their top staff following the Game 5 rainout in the NL championship series.

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.