Brad Penny wants to be a starter for Dodgers again this season  —  The right-hander, activated from the disabled list, is used in relief against the Padres.  He's not sure of his future with the Dodgers.  —  SAN DIEGO — Activated from his second stint on the disabled list Wednesday …

Tackling another hot sports topic  —  We interrupt our 24/7 Brady Fallout coverage to remind you that there's a pennant race going on in Boston.  —  The Red Sox and first-place Tampa Bay Rays staged a five-plus-hour, 14-inning epic at the Fens last night.  Carlos Pena's three-run homer …

Mets hold on against pesky Nats  —  Hard-fought victory helps club gain a game in NL East  —  NEW YORK — The Mets demonstrated why they lead the National League East in the third and eighth innings, and the Nationals demonstrated why they are looking up to the rest of the division in the seventh on Wednesday night at Shea Stadium.

Little lineup lifts White Sox over Jays  —  Chicago maintains one-game lead in AL Central standings  —  CHICAGO — Wednesday's White Sox lineup would not exactly be confused with the 1977 South Side Hitmen.  —  It didn't even have the same power potential featured 10 days ago …

Brewers rally to avert sweep by Reds  —  Late surge takes Sabathia off the hook for first Milwaukee loss  —  MILWAUKEE — For the first time all year, there was no downplaying this one.  No one selling it as “Just another win.”  —  The Brewers' come-from-behind 4-3 win over the Reds …

Alvarez grievance hearings under way  —  Selig, Halem testify Wednesday in first step of lengthy process  —  HOUSTON — The start of a grievance hearing between Major League Baseball and the Players Association came and went with little fanfare on Wednesday.

Angels beat Yanks, claim West  —  Rangers' loss clinches Halos' seventh division title  —  ANAHEIM — In an Angels clubhouse loaded with big-name, big-money performers, Dustin Moseley and Robb Quinlan quietly go their own way, rarely attracting attention.  —  On Wednesday at Angel Stadium …

Carlos Delgado proving to be most valuable Met  —  Albert Pujols and Carlos Delgado are vying for the NL MVP this season ...  As if the high associated with being in first place in the second week of September isn't enough to keep their juices flowing with every pitch and every at-bat …

Baseball comes together again for 9/11  —  Special ceremonies, charitable donations to mark occasion  —  In the book, “Love, Greg & Lauren,” there are at least 13 references to baseball.  It is one way Greg Manning talked to his wife, Lauren, while she was in a coma and then during …

Lilly calms concerns, stifles Cards  —  Cubs retain 4 1/2-game edge in division behind lefty's gem  —  ST. LOUIS — Ted Lilly did not hear Lou Piniella's rant after Tuesday's game, but the left-hander got the message.  —  Lilly pitched eight solid innings and survived a head-on collision …

Hurricane Ike could alter Friday plans  —  Game against Cubs may be moved up to start at 1:05 p.m. CT  —  HOUSTON — The Astros have been out of town during most weather-related disasters that have either hit or threatened to hit the Houston area, but such is not the case this time, as Hurricane Ike gets closer to the Bayou City.

The fans' scouting report  —  Background  —  I introduce the Fans' Scouting Report project on my site the same way every year: … Comparisons  —  I asked several people in MLB front offices for their reactions to the results from the Fans' opinions.  None was comfortable having …

Young Texas Rangers pitchers' experience may pay off  —  When the Rangers' season comes to an end in three weeks, those evaluating the club would be wise to focus on one number.  —  Can't place the number for sure just yet, but it will be between 60-65.  —  It is the number of starts …