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.

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.

Hank rips MLB playoff system in Sporting News  —  Many people have been impressed with the Dodgers' recent turnaround, one which will likely land Joe Torre's club in the postseason next week.  Just don't count Hank Steinbrenner among them.  —  Steinbrenner, the Yankees' co-chairman …

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.

It's Cool  —  It's cool everybody.  Everything's cool.  —  Jason Bartlett was voted MVP of the Tampa Bay Rays by the Tampa Bay chapter of the BBWAA.  —  I know, I know, he's supposed to be a very good defender.  But let me say some things about Jason Bartlett: He's missed like 30 games this year …

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.

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 …

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.

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) …

Today: Pirates-Brewers, 9-23-08; Moss' knee injury ends season  —  MILWAUKEE — The Pirates can continue their Tour of Broken Dreams, having basically ended the St. Louis Cardinals' season with that sweep at PNC and, really, having foiled the Houston Astros, too, just by taking one of those games this past weekend.

Phils lose, NL East lead cut to 1 1-2  —  PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Cole Hamels' worst throw of the night sailed into foul territory on an errant pickoff attempt.  That error was enough to help cost the Phillies.  —  Casey Kotchman homered, Mike Hampton won for the first time in a month …

The East Contracts  —  The Phillies lose and the Mets win as the lead in the NL East is down to 1 1/2 games.  Remember, the Mets hold the tie-breaker against the Phillies, so if the two teams finished tied and ahead of the other wild card contenders, then the Mets win the division and Philadelphia gets the Wild Card.