White Sox force one-game tiebreaker  —  Chicago to face Twins after Ramirez's slam seals victory  —  CHICAGO — A full 162-game schedule will not be enough to decide the American League Central title.  —  The White Sox forced Tuesday's one-game tiebreaker on Monday by virtue of an 8-2 victory …

Yanks leaning toward leaving Joba as starter  —  BOSTON - Joba Chamberlain finished the season having thrown only 100 1/3 innings because of a shoulder injury that caused him to miss a month.  If the Yankees stick to their organizational beliefs, the 23-year-old right-hander will be limited to 140 innings next season.

Rockies report: Fond farwell for Johnson?  —  If it was 45-year-old Randy Johnson's final appearance in his career, it was impressive.  The Diamondbacks left-hander pitched a two-hitter, giving up two singles to Troy Tulowitzki, and struck out 10.  It was the first nine-inning effort …

For Two G.M.'s, Payoffs Come Without Playoffs  —  The season was over, and Omar Minaya had some explaining to do.  He walked into the interview room Monday afternoon in the now-retired Shea Stadium, wearing a dark gray suit with a white shirt, open at the top, and proceeded to espouse …

Gallardo will open playoffs for Brewers  —  Yovani Gallardo will start Game 1 for the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL playoffs against Philadelphia, followed by ace CC Sabathia for Game 2.  “I don't know how to explain it.  I'm very excited, just ready to go,” Gallardo said Monday.

BoSox's ailing Drew, Lowell may play in opener … BOSTON (AP) — Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew took batting practice on an overcast day at Fenway Park.  When they were done, the outlook for Boston's two injured hitters was brighter.  —  Both could be ready for Wednesday night's opener …

Pettitte thinking it over  —  Andy Pettitte stopped by for a few minutes.  While Joe Girardi has said he thinks the lefty will be back, Pettitte is not ready to say that quite yet.  —  “I need to get away and weigh some things over,” he said.  “I know what I want to do and what I'm expected …

Wren begins hunt for veteran arms  —  General manager looks to add depth to rotation in offseason  —  ATLANTA — With his initial season as the Braves general manager complete, Frank Wren can officially begin looking toward a future that he can only hope proves less frustrating than the past six injury-marred months.

Victory brings tears to Selig's eyes  —  As the Brewers and their fans celebrated their first playoff berth in 26 years Sunday afternoon at raucous Miller Park, Bud Selig sat in front of his television set at his home in Bayside, totally transfixed.  —  Before he knew it, the commissioner of baseball had tears in his eyes.

Tigers flop under weight of high hopes  —  DETROIT (AP)—Boosted by the big deal for Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis, the Detroit Tigers started the season as a popular pick to contend for a championship.  —  They'll finish it competing only for the dubious distinction of being baseball's biggest bust.

Godfrey quits as Jays president  —  Paul Godfrey has announced he will step down as president and CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays at the end of 2008.  —  The Jays, who ended the regular season on Sunday with an 86-76 record, have never advanced to the post-season under Godfrey's reign at the top of the major league organization.

Hamels, Myers, Moyer ...  Just heard that the Phillies have set up their rotation for the first three games of the National League division series against the Milwaukee Brewers: Cole Hamels will pitch Game 1 on Wednesday, Brett Myers will pitch Game 2 on Thursday and Jamie Moyer will pitch Game 3 on Saturday.

Padres retain Black as manager for 2009 season  —  SAN DIEGO — Bud Black is coming back as manager of the San Diego Padres despite the club's worst finish in 15 seasons.  —  The Padres announced late Monday afternoon that Black and most of his staff will return in 2008.

Melvin offers thanks to ex-manager  —  Brewers GM sends e-mail to Yost expressing appreciation for his work  —  One of the first things Doug Melvin did was send a message to Ned Yost.  —  After the New York Mets fell, 4-2, to Florida on Sunday afternoon, securing the National League wild-card berth …

Lohse will get four-year deal  —  Kyle Lohse, who signed a one-year, $4.5 million deal late in spring training to bolster the Cardinals' starting pitching staff, was rewarded Monday with a four-year, $41 million contract extension.  —  The contract also calls for full, no-trade protection for Lohse.

Nationals enter offseason of change  —  The Washington Nationals' transition from a forgettable season to a winter of change and perhaps better fortune began even before the 2008 season came to an end Sunday afternoon.  —  In the eighth inning of what would become an 8-3 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies …