La Russa's ride includes 'picture'-perfect ending  —  ST. LOUIS — So now you know what the question becomes.  Who is going to play World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals' manager Tony La Russa in the movie?  Right?  —  You think I'm kidding — a cute line in the afterglow …

Van Slyke remains ringless  —  While the rest of the Tigers' traveling party headed back to Detroit after Friday night's fifth game of the World Series, when the Cardinals clinched their 10th title with a 4-2 victory over Detroit, first-base coach Andy Van Slyke was headed home to Chesterfield.

Soriano, Armas file for free agency  —  Retaining slugger remains top priority; righty uncertain  —  WASHINGTON — Nationals outfielder Alfonso Soriano and right-hander Tony Armas Jr. were two of 24 Major Leaguers who filed for free agency on Sunday.  The Nationals' other three free agents …

Reds see three opt for free agency  —  Clayton, Weathers among 59 league-wide to file  —  CINCINNATI — Reliever David Weathers was among three Reds players to file for free agency on the first day on Saturday.  —  Shortstop Royce Clayton and pitcher Jason Johnson were also among …

An M.V.P. Cast in Billy Martin's Image  —  Whitey Eckstein clutches a pair of rosary beads that were blessed by Pope John Paul II as he watches his son David play for the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series.  Whitey watches and prays, watches and prays some more.  —  All the while, Whitey watches television in awe.

83 players file for free agency  —  NEW YORK — Washington's Alfonso Soriano filed for free agency Sunday along with San Francisco pitcher Jason Schmidt.  —  Oft-injured Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood also was among 24 players who filed on the second possible day, as was Cardinals backup catcher Gary Bennett …

Reds' Blogger Chat  —  Alright, the Reds' bloggers got together for another chat and I actually showed up this time.  Most of my comments revolved around how I disgusted I was with Austin Kearns and Felipe Lopez getting traded.  I have part three and I'll post the other four parts when they come online.

Rangers to interview manager of Japanese team  —  Trey Hillman is former Rangers farm director  —  The Rangers plan to interview Trey Hillman for their managerial opening in person in Arlington Tuesday.  Hillman is in the fourth year as manager of the Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan.

A-Rod situation as fluid as words  —  In late January of 2004, a month or so after his long-discussed trade to the Red Sox publicly fell to pieces, Alex Rodriguez and the Texas Rangers put an end to all the trade rumors.  —  After a five-hour meeting in a New York hotel suite …

Five Phillies opt for free agency  —  Lieberthal, Wolf file on first day of eligibility  —  PHILADELPHIA — With the end of the World Series comes the dawn of the free agency filing period, and the possible end for two career Phillies.  —  Mike Lieberthal and Randy Wolf were among …

Wright's Excellent Adventure to Continue in Japan  —  David Wright played in 164 of the Mets' 172 games this season, and still that was not enough.  The promise of another hit will lure him halfway around the world, to Japan, as part of a major league exhibition tour that is scheduled to begin Thursday.

Market forces will play out  —  Sides try to gauge effects of new deal  —  The Players Association will hold an informational session with player agents Tuesday to review the new Basic Agreement it reached with baseball owners.  Management has already been given the 70-plus-page agreement …

Royals get good news on Hochevar  —  Kansas City taking cautious approach with prized pitcher  —  KANSAS CITY — Nothing serious.  That's the prevailing diagnosis after Royals pitching prospect Luke Hochevar was examined Friday in Kansas City.  —  "It's a shoulder strain," …