Bochy agrees to become Giants manager  —  SAN FRANCISCO — With Bruce Bochy set to go to Japan on Monday to manage a group of major leaguers in an exhibition tour, the Giants had to move fast to pry him away from the Padres.  —  After a day of talks, that's apparently just what they did.

Cardinals 5, Tigers 4  —  ST. LOUIS (AP) — With some help from a soggy field and two big hits by little David Eckstein, the St. Louis Cardinals took control of the World Series with a wild comeback win.  —  Eckstein's tiebreaking double glanced off the glove of a diving Craig Monroe …

Phillies' Howard, Yankees' Jeter win Hank Aaron Award  —  ST. LOUIS — Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard and New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter were honored Wednesday with the Hank Aaron Award, which is presented annually to the top offensive performer in each league.

Cubs' pitcher search extending to Japan  —  ST. LOUIS — The Cubs are preparing to delve into the Japanese market for the first time this off-season, with two pitchers on their radar.  —  Daisuke Matsuzaka, the 26-year-old right-hander represented by agent Scott Boras, may not be their first choice, sources said.

Agent: Sheffield seeks multiyear deal  —  Unhappy about speculation Yanks will pick up option, trade him  —  NEW YORK — Gary Sheffield will be perfectly happy to play first base for the Yankees in 2007.  —  As long as he also does so in 2008 and 2009, that is.

Rangers resume search for manager  —  After a week-long hiatus, the Rangers' managerial search might be about to recommence.  —  Arlington native Trey Hillman's Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters won the Japan Series on Thursday, freeing him to talk to the Rangers.  The question of how the interview will be conducted still remains.

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.

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.

Nippon Ham earns Japanese crown  —  Club caps title run with 4-1 victory over Chunichi Dragons  —  SAPPORO, Japan — There wasn't much hope for the Chunichi Dragons to get the Japan Series back to Nagoya — not with the way the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters were playing.

Mattingly to replace Mazzilli  —  Don Mattingly will replace Lee Mazzilli as Yankees bench coach, people with knowledge of the situation told Newsday Thursday.  —  The promotion brings Mattingly one important step closer to the manager's seat and solidifies him as the favorite to be Joe Torre's successor.

Suppan Delivers a Pitch on a Political Issue  —  Jeff Suppan was scheduled to pitch Wednesday night for the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 4 of the World Series, but his time on the mound was not his only planned appearance on the game's telecast.  —  Suppan is one of several athletes who appear …

Notes: Black to be interviewed by A's  —  Angels pitching coach in demand, finally feels he's ready  —  ANAHEIM — The courtship of Bud Black continues, and next week he will discuss the managerial opening in Oakland.  —  The Angels' pitching coach already has one interview under his belt …