Pirates, Alvarez agree to revised contract  —  Deal is pending physical, could quash MLB union's grievance  —  In a stunning reversal of a summer-long drama, the Pirates and top draft pick Pedro Alvarez last night agreed to terms on a revised four-year, major league contract worth a guaranteed $6,355,000 …

3 UP: Disappointing Closing Ceremonies  —  I really liked the idea of permitting fans into Yankee Stadium very early on the final game day and allowing them to walk around the park and through Monument Park.  I also think the late-night close with the team gathered...

NL East race being decided by relief pitching … It isn't September of 2007 that hangs over the Mets' psyches anymore.  It's their bullpen of 2008.  —  We've talked a lot this month about the Mets' 2007 nightmare.  But the more we watch this 2008 edition, the more we're convinced …

New stadium, new look: Next year's Yanks will be very different … NEW YORK — Everyone said good-bye Sunday night to the grand old lady known around here simply as The Stadium, and the going-away party worked perfectly for the about-to-be-demolished ballpark.

Cubs aren't taking week off  —  The Cubs still have a magic number, and it's one.  —  One more victory assures the National League Central champs home-field advantage throughout the NL playoffs, just one of the Cubs' remaining goals as they transition into playoff mode.

Maine to throw simulated session again for Mets  —  ATLANTA - The John Maine comeback saga inched forward yesterday, or at least remained on life support, when he was given the green light for another simulated inning today at Shea Stadium.  Maine, who has become weary of talking more than pitching …

Orioles-A's Sept. 6 rainout will not be played  —  The Orioles have announced that their September 6 game against the Oakland Athletics, postponed due to rain, will not be played following a determination by Major League Baseball.  —  Fans holding tickets for the game …

Save The Marlins!  —  Although the Florida Marlins have made progress in soaking residents for a publically funded new stadium, history says it won't happen.  Move the team and end a disgraceful MLB chapter.  —  A typical half-filled day at the ballpark for the Fish.

How Bad Is the Mets Bullpen?  —  It has been argued (by me) that overcoming a bullpen as terrible as New York's this season is a tribute to both the tremendous offensive talent and frontline starting pitching the Mets possess.  —  But as Sunday's 7-6 loss to the Braves demonstrated, the reverse is also true.

On Baseball: Phillies' payroll set to bulge  —  MIAMI - On Tuesday or Wednesday, the Phillies will set a franchise record for attendance, passing the mark of 3.25 million set in 2004, the year Citizens Bank Park opened.  —  The Phillies are drawing big because they have put a contending team on the field …