Hurricane Ike puts Cubs-Astros series in limbo  —  ST. LOUIS - Preparations in Houston for Hurricane Ike are likely to affect the Cubs' series this weekend against the Astros.  —  The Astros announced Wednesday they are considering moving Friday's game from 7 p.m. to 1 p.m. in an effort …

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 …

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 …

Report: Japanese RHP Tazawa headed to majors  —  TOKYO (TICKER) —Righthander Junichi Tazawa is expected to forego professional baseball in Japan and attempt to sign with a Major League Baseball team, according to an article posted Thursday on the Japan Times' web site.

MEANINGLESS STADIUM SENDOFF ON TAP FOR YANKEES  —  ANAHEIM - Aura and Mystique have been replaced by Blind Faith.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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Morning Extras: I'm Tired of the Chase  —  I'm tired of this.  I'm tired of having to come up with some silver lining for the next two and a half weeks.  I'm tired of waking up and seeing the Mets boxscore and wondering if it's even possible to catch a team that has gotten better after each pitcher goes down for the season.

Reds-Brewers, Game 3  —  Sorry we're late getting this started but the Brewers made a player move right at the start of the game, claiming reliever Todd Coffey off waivers from Cincinnati and designating outfielder Laynce Nix for assignment.  —  I'll get back to that in a minute.  Let's get the game going:

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.

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 …

Reyes runs into Mets' record books  —  Young shortstop slowly developing into superstar  —  FLUSHING — Jose Reyes stood on second and tipped his hat to the crowd after his 282nd career stolen base pushed him past Mookie Wilson and into first place on the Mets' all-time steals list.

Friars claim knuckleballer Haeger  —  Former White Sox righty added to pitching mix for 2009  —  SAN DIEGO — In another move with an eye on 2009, the Padres added 24-year-old knuckleballer Charlie Haeger to their mix of pitchers, claiming the right-hander off waivers from the Chicago White Sox.

HEILMAN FIGHTING TENDINITIS IN KNEE  —  Though he called it “manageable,” Aaron Heilman admitted last night that he's been battling tendinitis in his left knee all season.  —  Heilman has had a brutal year, an anomaly for him considering his past success.  After three straight strong seasons …