World Series Prospectus  —  Game Three  —  The phrase "must win game" is a bit overwrought when it comes to Game Three of a seven-game series.  But this was a must-win game for the Cardinals.  —  And win the Cardinals did.  Chris Carpenter made it look easy, using just 82 pitches to get through his eight innings.

Jeter Unable to Make It Easier for Rodriguez  —  Derek Jeter has been traveling in Europe, and he said Wednesday that he had not seen any of this year's World Series.  This is the time of year when Jeter, the Yankees' shortstop, would rather be playing than watching.

Sheffield warns: I won't deal with sign-and-trade  —  ST. LOUIS - One day after the Daily News reported that the Yankees are planning to pick up Gary Sheffield's 2007 option as a precursor to trading him, Sheffield made it clear that he is not at all happy with the idea.

Acta pleased after Nationals interview  —  Mets third-base coach says team in great position for future  —  Mets third-base coach Manny Acta said he was pleased with his interview with the Nationals on Tuesday and hopes they give him the chance to manage the team for 2007 and beyond.

Sportswriters ask MLB to put St. Louis All-Star Game on hold  —  The Baseball Writers' Association of America moved Wednesday to request that Major League Baseball withhold awarding the 2009 All-Star Game to the Cardinals until significant improvements are made to a press facility …

Scuffling buddies: Dibble huge fan of Lou  —  Former closer cites Piniella's passion, love of the game  —  ST. LOUIS — Mention Lou Piniella and Rob Dibble in the same sentence, and ''The Scuffle'' immediately comes to mind.  It was one of those caught-on-tape moments that helped shape Piniella's public image — good or bad.

Remy, Roberts in Red Sox Hall  —  Former players to be enshrined in club's Hall of Fame  —  BOSTON — One former Red Sox player has become a broadcast icon for the club while another has become a symbol for arguably the greatest comeback in sports history.

Glum Pujols darkens baseball's spotlight  —  Cards slugger could take a page from Sosa  —  ST. LOUIS — Try to imagine how much fun Sammy Sosa would have had if he'd only had the opportunity to play in a World Series with the Cubs.  —  Now picture the exact opposite of Sosa …

Musial tosses gutter ball over Garagiola split  —  Although it was quickly overshadowed by Chris Carpenter's pitching effort, Cardinal fans were wondering what happened to Stan Musial, who had been scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 3 Tuesday night.

Television freezes our warm fuzzies off  —  ST. LOUIS — Mickey Rivers may have said it best years ago before a Rangers game in early April at Milwaukee's old County Stadium was postponed because of rain and cold.  "It's so cold out there," the Mick said, shivering, "I saw a dog chasing a cat and they were both walkin'."