Rain prompts postponement of Game 4  —  Forecasts predicting more precipitation for Thursday's makeup  —  ST. LOUIS — Game 4 of the World Series at Busch Stadium was rained out Wednesday, pushing the next two games of the Series back at least a day.  —  But chances of getting in Games 4 and 5 any time soon aren't good.

Jeter: No need to clear air with A-Rod  —  ST. LOUIS (AP) — Derek Jeter expects Alex Rodriguez to remain with the Yankees next season, saying there was no need to discuss A-Rod's dismal performance during New York's first-round loss to the Detroit Tigers.  —  Back from his first European vacation …

Girardi headed for television  —  Joe Girardi will not be a part of the Yankees' 2007 coaching staff, but he still could end up at Yankee Stadium in a different capacity next year.  —  Girardi, recently fired after a year as Marlins manager, chose to stay off the field next year to be a broadcaster, .perhaps for the YES Network.

Controversy Is in the Palm of His Hand  —  In his radio broadcast Monday on the Detroit station WJR, the Detroit Free Press sports columnist Mitch Albom made light of suggestions that Tigers pitcher Kenny Rogers had a strange, dark substance on his hand early in Game 2 of the World Series.

Tigers could figure in bidding for Matsuzaka  —  ST. LOUIS - Imagine a future Tigers' rotation headed by right-hander Justin Verlander, 23, and Japanese right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka, 26.  —  It's not as improbable as you might think.  —  The Tigers are intrigued by Matsuzaka …

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 …

Cardinals' Suppan Pitching and Politicking  —  Jeff Suppan is scheduled to pitch for the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 4 of the World Series tonight at Busch Stadium.  But his time on the mound will not be his only appearance on baseball fans' television screens.

Astros, Biggio still working on '07 deal  —  Agent remains optimistic agreement can be reached soon  —  ST. LOUIS — It's unlikely Craig Biggio will play anywhere but Houston in 2007, but the Astros and Biggio's agent, Barry Axelrod, have not made much progress as they try to agree on the terms …

Notes: Sheffield upset  —  New York Yankees slugger Gary Sheffield, informed Wednesday that the Yankees will pick up his $13 million option in 2007, was angry by the decision, hoping instead the Yankees would let him go.  —  ""This will not work, this will not work at all," Sheffield told USA TODAY. "

No pains in labor: Loretta likes deal  —  ST. LOUIS - Last Wednesday, Mark Loretta took a red-eye to New York from his home in Arizona.  On Thursday and Friday, he was sitting in the room when representatives for baseball's owners and players essentially agreed on a collective bargaining agreement that ensured labor peace through 2011.

May Be A Few Years Before Rays Start Turning A Profit  —  TAMPA - The Devil Rays have yet to enjoy the advantages of what Commissioner Bud Selig considers a Golden Age for baseball.  —  While a new labor agreement between players and ownership - announced Tuesday in St. Louis …