Lou Piniella cites ‘toll’ of managing  —  NEW YORK - Cubs manager Lou Piniella is only one victory shy of his 1,700th career triumph as manager, but he seems to be weary of the long grind that accompanies the season.  —  “It has been a tough year,” Piniella told the New York Daily News.

Hank Steinbrenner cries over Yanks' great misfortune in AL East  —  If his goal was to step in and win a World Series title like his father, then Hank Steinbrenner's first year in the Bronx as co-chairman can be marked with a giant pinstriped FAIL.  The Yankees were officially eliminated from postseason contention on Tuesday.

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.

Twins dig long ball, at least for one night  —  MINNEAPOLIS - Inside the Minnesota Twins dugout, they figured the roar was for Jason Kubel.  His teammates were telling him to take a curtain call after his second home run, and everybody was so busy patting Kubel on the back and slapping …

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.

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.

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 …

Rebuilding the Mariners |  M's puzzle tougher to reshape with big contracts  —  And a nervous Kenji Johjima seemed to be dying a little inside as he spoke...  It was the night the Mariners saw their 2008 season die for good.  —  And a nervous Kenji Johjima seemed to be dying a little inside …

Tigers' Todd Jones to announce retirement  —  After 16 seasons, 319 saves and approximately 250 columns for Sporting News, Todd Jones is retiring from baseball.  —  Jones, who writes about his decision to call it quits in the latest issue of Sporting News magazine, is expected …

Alvarez in Pittsburgh, set to sign  —  MILWAUKEE — Pedro Alvarez, the Pirates' first-round draft pick, is in Downtown Pittsburgh this morning and could sign his contract this afternoon.  —  The parties agreed to terms on a four-year $6,355,000 contract Sunday night but had been waiting …

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 …