Sources: Mets GM Minaya to get 4-year extension … Omar Minaya will receive a four-year extension to continue as general manager of the New York Mets, sources said on Tuesday.  The deal is all but done, but it is not known when the extension will be formally announced.

Yankees want answer from Cashman … Brian Cashman was asked by the Steinbrenners to respond by next week to their offer to return as Yankees general manager, according to people familiar with the situation.  —  Cashman's current three-year, $5.5-million contract doesn't expire until Oct. 31 …

Champagne still waiting as Phils fall  —  Hamels effective but outdueled in loss to Braves  —  PHILADELPHIA — Crates of champagne likely nestle somewhere in the bowels of Citizens Bank Park, ready for clubhouse relocation when needed.  —  At some point between now and Sunday …

Red Sox clinch playoff spot, top Indians  —  BOSTON (AP)—Tim Wakefield has been in Boston long enough to compare celebrations, a two-time World Series champion who is returning to the playoffs for the fifth time in six years.  —  For Jason Bay, it's all new.

Twins rout White Sox, pull within 1 1-2  —  MINNEAPOLIS (AP)—Javier Vazquez has been fighting the label of big-game flopper for his entire career.  —  That fight will only intensify after falling flat in his latest chance with the ball in his hands and a lot on the line.

Shields helps Rays get closer to title  —  Starter works seven to win Game 1, tie Arrojo for club record  —  BALTIMORE — James Shields went deep into the game to complete his mission, and the Rays got some timely hitting to take a 5-2 win over the Orioles in the first game of a doubleheader Tuesday night at Camden Yards.

Sox to retire Pesky's number Friday  —  The Red Sox will retire Johnny Pesky's number on Friday night, putting his No. 6 on the upper deck facade alongside those of teammates Ted Williams (9) and Bobby Doerr (1).  —  “I appreciate this.  This is very flattering to me,” Pesky said.

Carp's career in doubt?  —  Disabled Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter is suffering from career-threatening compression and scarring of a series of nerves feeding his right shoulder, according to sources familiar with his situation.  —  Less than a week after undergoing three days of exams administered …

Dodgers blow by Padres  —  Six-run first inning helps LA trim magic number to three  —  LOS ANGELES — Nomar Garciaparra and Blake DeWitt slugged three-run homers Tuesday night in a 10-1 win that, coupled with Arizona's loss, sliced the Dodgers' magic number to three.

Sabathia will go on short rest again  —  Interim manager Dale Sveum told us this afternoon that left-hander CC Sabathia will start Wednesday night on short rest for the second consecutive time.  Sabathia pitched Saturday in Cincinnati on only three days of rest.

postGame: Mets 6 Cubs 2  —  The Mets (87-70) defeated the Cubs (95-61) by the score of 6 to 2 in Shea Stadium tonight.  —  For a recap, boxscore, and stats, click here.  —  Johan Santana, Jose Reyes and David Wright are arguably the three biggest stars on the Mets …

Gameday Live 157: Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays  —  Good evening Yankee fans.  Welcome to another night on the blog.  The Yankees are looking to stave off elimination for one more night.  —  Yankees (85-71) vs. Toronto (83-73): First pitch: 7:05  —  Starters: Mike Mussina (18-9, 3:57 ERA) …

Latino Sox fans lost in lineup shuffle  —  Felipe Gomez, a Jamaica Plain barber, still wears his Red Sox cap, the bill crisp across his brow.  He still roots for his adopted hometown team, and he always looks forward to visits from such players as David Ortiz when they are in need of a haircut.

MLB, union work toward Alvarez settlement  —  Ending grievance will clear way for Pirates, top pick to sign  —  Major League Baseball and its players' union were negotiating last night to settle a grievance that would clear the way for the Pirates and first-round draft pick Pedro Alvarez to sign a revised contract.