Hothead Elijah mixes it up with Pelfrey, fans  —  The Nationals have worked with troubled outfielder Elijah Dukes on managing his anger this season, but his temper almost got the best of him Wednesday night in a couple of minor incidents with the Mets and their fans at Shea.

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 …

MEANINGLESS STADIUM SENDOFF ON TAP FOR YANKEES  —  ANAHEIM - Aura and Mystique have been replaced by Blind Faith.  —  And, no Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Steve Winwood aren't reuniting for a Yankee Stadium gig.  —  With his team on the verge of being eliminated and facing the final homestand …

Halos top Yanks, clinch West title  —  The Los Angeles Angels clinched their fourth AL West title in five years, with Robb Quinlan hitting a two-run single yesterday in a 4-2 victory over the New York Yankees in Anaheim, Calif.  —  Francisco Rodriguez earned his 56th save …

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 …

The Papelbon Dirty Dancing Videos Are Here.  Oh, Man  —  If the Red Sox fail to win the East this season — and let's face it, it's looking more and more doubtful — we can probably blame this.  One is never really prepared for a video of Jonathan Papelbon at a high school talent show …

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.

Rays alter rotation  —  BOSTON — The Rays had their reasons — three, actually — for altering their pitching rotation by flip-flopping James Shields and Matt Garza.  —  Whether there are some residual benefits could be clear in a few weeks.  —  Taking advantage of today's off day …

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.

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 …

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 …