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.

Mets say goodbye to Shea, playoffs with crushing loss  —  Mets collapse, the sequel.  —  Doomed by a dreadful bullpen that failed them again Sunday, the New York Mets completed their second consecutive September slide with a 4-2 loss to Florida that knocked them out of playoff contention in the final game at Shea Stadium.

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.

Manuel to return as Mets manager  —  NEW YORK — The Mets have decided to bring back Jerry Manuel as manager despite the disappointing end to their season, SI.com has learned.  —  Manuel is expected to be approached to hammer out a new contract in the next day or two.

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.

Brewers beat Cubs 3-1, clinch playoff spot  —  MILWAUKEE - CC Sabathia and Ryan Braun put the Milwaukee Brewers in the playoffs for the first time since 1982 — with big help from the New York Mets.  —  Making his third consecutive start on three days' rest, Sabathia pitched a four-hitter …

Hamels set to start Game 1 of NLDS for Phillies … PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Phillies ace Cole Hamels will pitch Game 1 of the division series when the NL East champions open Wednesday at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers or Milwaukee Brewers.  —  Hamels went 14-10 with a 3.09 ERA this season …

That might be it for the Moose  —  It's not official yet.  But I think we just saw Mike Mussina pitch his last major league game.  —  After Mussina did a television interview after the game, he was the last player into the clubhouse and his teammates were waiting all together in the room to give him a standing ovation.

Scioscia announces rotation and roster  —  ANAHIEM - John Lackey, Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders will pitch the first three games of the ALDS series in that order starting Wednesday, Angels' manager Mike Scioscia announced after today's 7-0 win over the Texas Rangers.

Dodgers drop finale to Giants  —  Los Angeles will head to Chicago to open the playoffs against the Cubs on Wednesday.  —  SAN FRANCISCO — The Dodgers are headed to Chicago.  —  Los Angeles ended the regular season with a 3-1 loss to the San Francisco Giants today shortly after learning …