GM TELLS STEINBRENNERS HE WANTS TO RETURN  —  BOSTON - While Brian Cashman remained mum about his future, the buzz smothering the Yankees' universe yesterday focused on the GM telling the Steinbrenner family he wants to return.  —  An announcement could come as soon as tomorrow.

Phillies can kick back and relax after winning NL East … PHILADELPHIA — The 45,177 red-clad, towel-waving zanies at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday yelled themselves hoarse in support of the hometown Phillies.  But their emotional investment was nothing compared to the ups and downs pitcher Cole Hamels endured.

Nationals dismiss five coaches  —  Pitching coach St. Claire to return to Acta's staff in 2009  —  WASHINGTON — The Nationals informed all of manager Manny Acta's coaches, except for pitching coach Randy St. Claire, on Sunday morning that they will not be back for the 2009 season.

The A.J. saga is just beginning and  —  BALTIMORE — Baseball's silly season is off to a rousing start.  —  The will-he-or-won't-he saga concerning Jays right-hander A.J. Burnett is officially off and running following a report that the Jays were willing to offer him an additional $30 million US …

White Sox beat Indians, force game Monday  —  FROM SUN-TIMES STAFF REPORTS  —  The White Sox beat the Cleveland Indians 5-1 today and will host the Detroit Tigers on Monday with the AL Central Division crown on the line.  —  The Minnesota Twins lead the Kansas City Royals.

Holliday irked that injury could affect contract talks  —  PHOENIX — Matt Holliday took umbrage Saturday with the characterization that his back injury might influence future contract talks with the Rockies.  —  Holliday has missed three games in a week because of a stiff back.

Inge will be Tigers' third baseman in '09; Guillen will move to left field  —  Brandon Inge will be the Tigers' everyday third baseman next season, and Carlos Guillen will move from third base to left field, manager Jim Leyland said Saturday.  —  The moves appear to have been triggered …

20 or not, Yankees' ‘Moose’ may still retire  —  NOTEBOOK  —  BOSTON — It has been 105 years since a pitcher won 19 or more games and voluntarily retired healthy.  —  Mike Mussina seems to be considering it.  —  Mussina on Sunday will attempt to become a 20-game winner for the first time in his career …

Rays Tales  —  The Rays wrap up a regular season like no other today, because for the first time in their 11 years it's not actually the end.  Much about their incredible season will be said, written, blogged, slide-showed and podcasted in the days leading up to Thursday's (say it slowly) …

Twins maintain half-game lead  —  Minnesota offense struggles in disappointing loss to Royals  —  MINNEAPOLIS — The critics have been waiting all season for the Twins' clutch hitting to disappear.  —  And at the time they needed it most, it did in a 4-2 loss to the Royals on Saturday afternoon at the Metrodome.

Texas Rangers know their needs, unsure how to fill them  —  Everyone seemed to know whom the Texas Rangers were going to target in free agency after the 2007 season.  They needed a center fielder, and Ponder resident Torii Hunter appeared to be a perfect fit.

Manuel pulls out ace in the hole  —  New York (88-72) vs. Florida (83-76), Saturday, 1:10 p.m. ET  —  NEW YORK — Jerry Manuel agonized over the decision for days, refusing to reveal his Saturday pitcher until after Friday's loss to the Marlins.  Little did anyone else know …