Wagner to have surgery — out for year (update)  —  The Mets learned today that Billy Wagner has a torn MCL in his left elbow and will need season-ending surgery that is likely to sideline him for most of 2009 as well, a person familiar with the situation said.

Delgado continues his rebirth … NEW YORK — He was being chided in this city, practically booed out of town.  It was only a few months ago that Carlos Delgado was refusing curtain calls while careening toward a possible platoon at first base.  —  Then it was late June, Willie Randolph was fired …

A-Rod's slip of tongue indicts fading Yankees  —  SEATTLE - Even Alex Rodriguez seems to have realized that the Yankees are not playoff-bound.  —  After a 5-2 loss to the Mariners yesterday knocked them into fourth place in the American League East, behind the Rays, Red Sox and now the Blue Jays …

Ortiz: ‘My hand is not OK’  —  DAVID ORTIZFirst homer in 20 games (Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press)  —  ARLINGTON, Texas - When David Ortiz smashed a pitch from Brandon McCarthy off the facing of the second deck at Rangers Ballpark at Arlington in yesterday's game against Texas, it marked his first home run in 20 games.

Former player, manager Gutteridge dies at age 96  —  PITTSBURG, Kan. — Don Gutteridge, who played for four major league teams and managed the Chicago White Sox in 1969 and 1970, died at his home.  He was 96.  —  He died Sunday after contracting pneumonia about a month ago, son Don Gutteridge Jr. said.

Tickets for potential Mets' 2008 postseason games at Shea Stadium will soon be available for purchase.  —  As part of the Mets' continuing effort to make Mets  —  postseason tickets available to as many fans as possible,  —  we have worked to develop a more efficient and fair ticket ordering process.

LAWSUIT CALLS FOUL ON METS' SEAT SWITCH  —  First they bled him for cash - then they put him in the nosebleeds.  —  Lifelong Mets fan Judd Burstein says the club sold him two years' worth of season tickets at Shea Stadium on the promise that when the team moved into its new home next year, he'd score choice seats.

Rays' Maddon says Percival is still closer  —  Rays trainer Ron Porterfield checks Matt Garza after Marco Scutaro's liner hit the pitcher's forearm in the fifth.  Garza was fine.  —  TORONTO — Troy Percival's latest struggles have not shaken the confidence manager Joe Maddon has in him.

Bernie Williams Goes to Washington  —  The Yankees know what it is like to wait for Bernie Williams.  So does President Bush.  —  On Sunday, Williams traveled to Washington to be a base coach for children playing T-ball on the White House lawn.  President Bush, the former owner of the Texas Rangers …

Cubs not panicking — yet  —  Reds rally for 3 in ugly 9th to hand Cubs 7th loss in last 8 games  —  CINCINNATI — Is it time to panic yet?  —  Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee says no. But the state of the team after what might have been its toughest loss of the season Sunday makes you wonder.