3 UP: Joba, Giambi/Abreu and Epstein  —  1. The Yankees are strongly weighing sending Joba Chamberlain to some form of extra pitching — likely either the Arizona Fall League or the Instructional League — as a way to further build his inning load this season to better prepare him to start in 2009, Hardball has learned.

Girardi hasn't made a difference for Yankees  —  It's too early to say Joe Girardi will not be the manager the Yankees thought they hired, but this hasn't been said enough: Girardi has not had a good year.  A thought that was impossible to ignore last night as the homestanding Yankees lopped …

Fans stealing Yankee Stadium mementos face arrest  —  Thinking about taking a piece of Yankee Stadium with you during the next few days of the final homestand at the House that Ruth Built?  Devising an elaborate, secretive plan to make off with something from the Stadium that you hope to one day tell your friends and family about?

Cause For Concern  —  Ted Lerner sat in Nationals Park last night, as fascinated with his team and as optimistic about it, despite its 57-93 record, as he has ever been.  “Our objective has been the same since the first day,” he said.  “We are creating a fine organization from top to bottom …

Bard has played his last for Padres  —  Team source says catcher won't be offered arbitration  —  DENVER — Catcher Josh Bard has played his last game of the season — and his last game — with the San Diego Padres.  —  Bard strained his right triceps on Monday, a relapse of the same injury …

MLB reveals 2009 schedule  —  Next season features old rivalries, new parks and more  —  The 2009 Major League Baseball season: A late start and the probability of November baseball; two grand openings in New York, one grand re-opening in Kansas City and one farewell season in Minnesota …

Giambi's legacy with Yankees?  Generosity  —  It could be that Jason Giambi's finest hour as a Yankee didn't occur on the field, or in the dugout, or in front of a grand jury in San Francisco.  —  No, Giambi, whose colorful Yankees tenure is very likely coming to an end after seven memorable seasons …

Mets, Castillo heading toward messy breakup?  —  WASHINGTON - The Mets are likely to take a huge financial hit this winter if they are able to trade Luis Castillo and his $25-million contract.  But it's becoming more apparent that these two sides are heading for a divorce when this season is over …

Cito's contract status means J.P. is staying  —  Sometime later on this homestand, the Jays will make official the news that Cito Gaston is returning as manager for 2009 and beyond.  —  “The coaches will know their status before we leave,” Gaston said with little fanfare, prior to last night's series opener against the Orioles.

Bedard to have shoulder surgery  —  KANSAS CITY — The saga of Erik Bedard's shoulder has been in the background of the Mariners season all summer.  —  Bedard, who hasn't pitched since July 4, has spent 2½ months trying to avoid surgery after suffering tightness in his left shoulder.

Posey Selected for Hawaii Winter Baseball  —  Buster Posey's whirlwind season is about to get even better.  —  Posey and four other first-round picks will be dispatched later this month to Hawaii Winter Baseball, and more highly regarded prospects likely will follow when the circuit announces its complete roster later this week.

Angels to open 2009 season at home against Oakland  —  The interleague schedule includes six games with the Dodgers.  —  The Angels will open next season at home against Oakland, and after a three-game series against the A's, the Boston Red Sox will visit Anaheim for a three-game series …

Cubs warm to idea of new park  —  There's no doubt the Cubs enjoyed their two-day stay in the Brewers' home clubhouse at Miller Park, and not just because they allowed only one hit in two victories over Houston.  —  After his no-hitter Sunday, Carlos Zambrano went as far as to say: “This is a beautiful ballpark.

Yost addresses dismissal on Tuesday  —  Former Brewers skipper talks to media about sudden ousting  —  MILWAUKEE — Ned Yost got through one big storm in May, and he wasn't even checking the weather this time around.  —  Yost said he was blindsided when the Brewers dismissed him as manager on Monday …

104-year-old Cubs fan won't get to toss first pitch  —  Leo Hildebrand has been throwing a baseball almost every day for the last six weeks in preparation for his big day.  —  The 104-year-old Bensenville man winds up and pitches, and his 61-year-old caretaker shags the balls for him.

Blake uncertain about return to LA  —  Los Angeles (79-72) at Pittsburgh (63-88), Wed., 4:05 p.m. PT  —  PITTSBURGH — Casey Blake heard about a written report claiming he wanted to return to the Cleveland Indians when he becomes a free agent after this season.