Tigers Near Record Deal With Porcello  —  For the fourth straight year, the Tigers are going to make a huge splash with an above-slot deal in the first round.  After signing Justin Verlander (2004), Cameron Maybin (2005) and Andrew Miller (2006), Detroit is closing in on a record deal …

Home stretch good time to make a stand  —  If you're going to make a case for why the Red Sox will not lose their lead in the AL East, it was precisely what we saw last night: Their starting pitching is too good.  —  If you're going to make a case for why they might squander it …

Source says Mets have no interest in Piazza  —  The Mets' pitching has been a question for most of the season.  But the question now is just who is going to catch?  Not Mike Piazza.  —  The Mets may reek slightly of desperation right now, but according to one source …

All eyes on Rockies' rotation  —  Colorado begins key trip with starting pitching saddled with uncertainty  —  Aaron Cook meant it as a compliment to his brothers in arms.  Those not living in the purple haze look at the Rockies' rotation and wince.  They can't believe Colorado …

Notes: Polanco sets all-time record  —  Monday's errorless game gives infielder milestone  —  DETROIT — Despite the fact it was set in a loss, the record for most consecutive errorless games by a second baseman means a lot to Placido Polanco.  —  "This game has been around for a long time," Polanco said.

Notes: Little holds closed-door meeting  —  Manager looking for Dodgers to snap three-week slide  —  LOS ANGELES — Manager Grady Little held a team meeting prior to Monday night's game against the Houston Astros in an attempt to get his team out of a three-week funk in which the Dodgers …

Prospect looking suspect  —  O'Dowd mum on call-up as Morales gives up three runs in first inning for Sox  —  Colorado Springs - Rockies prospect Franklin Morales learned of one of the cruelties of player development Monday night in his first start at Security Service Field.

Off Kei: Deal sending Igawa to Padres fizzles … Unless there is a 24th hour reversal in the talks between the New York Yankees and the San Diego Padres, the Yankees intend to withdraw Kei Igawa from trade waivers by Tuesday's 2 p.m. trade deadline, ending conversations between the teams about a deal involving the left-handed pitcher.

Mailbag: Will Nats go after Wily Mo?  —  Reporter Bill Ladson answers Nationals fans' questions … Now that Red Sox outfielder Wily Mo Pena has cleared waivers, will the Nationals attempt to acquire him?  —  I don't put anything past general manager Jim Bowden when it comes to acquiring Pena, who played for Bowden in Cincinnati.

Pirates Notebook: Phelps fits into plans for 2008 in key way  —  The Pirates' 2007 season must run its course, but early hints about the makeup of the 2008 team are surfacing.  —  One arose in the second game last night against San Francisco when Josh Phelps made his first start at catcher since Oct. 5 …

Loud, proud and unbowed  —  Mets' Milledge says he can't help but be impetuous, spirited self  —  NEW YORK — Lastings Milledge might as well be a rock star.  —  The 22-year-old Mets outfielder struts into his office every day with a pair of sleek Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses fixed over his eyes …

Just like that, Cubs lose their swagger  —  Everything in baseball can change so quickly for a team ... and, once again, it has.  —  Not so long ago, the Cubs could not have been sitting prettier.  They had scratched and clawed their way into first place.