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 …

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.

MEANINGLESS STADIUM SENDOFF ON TAP FOR YANKEES  —  ANAHEIM - Aura and Mystique have been replaced by Blind Faith.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

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

Famous fan interferes at Fenway Park  —  Scruffy Wallace was lucky there were no quick-triggered, pizza-toting fans sitting nearby when he was involved in a controversial fan interference call during last night's Sox-Rays game.  —  Compared to a similar incident a year ago at Fenway Park …

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 …