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.

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 …

Unsettled offseason for Rockies  —  Hurdle's sit-down with GM today just first phase of reshaping ballclub  —  PHOENIX — A six-month disappointment ends with a frank discussion today at Coors Field.  Manager Clint Hurdle will meet with general manager Dan O'Dowd for a season review …

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 …

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.

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 …

Art Howe out, Jim Colborn returns to Pacific Rim, Andy Hawkins a “candidate” for 2009 staff  —  The hedline pretty much sums it up, but that's the deal.  Art Howe will be replaced as bench coach and Andy Hawkins will be considered for the 2009 staff, likely as the bullpen coach rather than pitching coach.

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 …

Pirates fire pitching, first base coaches  —  The Pirates this morning fired pitching coach Jeff Andrews after one season on the job.  —  Andrews, 39, oversaw a pitching staff that had a 5.08 ERA, third-highest in Major League Baseball and fifth-highest in franchise history.

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.

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.

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.