All that's missing for Mets is the black cat  —  Black cat.  Black bat.  It's always something when these teams meet, which is why the Mets should be very pleased today they may be playing these same Chicago Cubs again in some very important games next week.

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.

Rays have two ALDS sellouts  —  First playoff games at Tropicana Field prove hot tickets  —  BALTIMORE — The Rays have sold out the first two playoff games that will be played at Tropicana Field.  —  A limited number of tickets will still be available for fans who make deposits on 2009 season tickets.

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 …

Happy berth day  —  For fifth time in six years, Sox wrap up a playoff spot  —  The celebration erupted again at Fenway Park last night, Red Sox players storming from the dugout and streaming from the bullpen, a scene as familiar and predictable by now as the fall chill moving in.

Vazquez loses as Twins close on Sox  —  Offense stays quiet as Minnesota cuts division lead to 1 1/2  —  MINNEAPOLIS — White Sox fans might need to take the ultimate “cup is half full” approach when breaking down Minnesota's 9-3 victory Tuesday night at the Metrodome.

Florida Marlins' Lo Duca looks to revive career in 2009  —  WASHINGTON - Catcher Paul Lo Duca didn't get too choked up about returning to Washington for the first time since the Nationals cut him Aug. 1.  —  Signed to a $5 million, one-year contract, Lo Duca spent time on the Nationals' disabled list …

Treanor's wife gets votes of confidence  —  Marlins call in for Olympian in ‘Dancing with the Stars’ debut  —  WASHINGTON — In their own small way, the Marlins are doing their part to rally behind the famous wife of a teammate.  —  Catcher Matt Treanor's wife, Misty May-Treanor, is a participant on ABC's “Dancing with the Stars.”

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.

'It's Just Al In The Darkness Now.' Tim Kawakami Discusses His Run-In At Raiders Headquarters  —  In The Princess Bride, Westley only had to make it through the Fire Swamp once.  But San Jose Mercury reporter Tim Kawakami has to brave the danger that is the Oakland Raiders' Alameda headquarters …