Sox want a ‘blackout’ for Tuesday  —  For one-game tiebreaker, team urging fans to wear all black  —  CHICAGO — A blackout coming in a city the size of Chicago usually leads to more than a fair share of worry and maybe a few dire circumstances.  —  That blackout takes on a completely different meaning …

JOBA'S SHOULDER BEARS WATCHING  —  For the second time inside of two months, Joba Chamberlain experienced discomfort in his valuable right shoulder Sunday at Fenway Park.  —  According to several people, Chamberlain said the shoulder was tight after exiting the first game of the doubleheader …

Tips are quite valuable to Masterson  —  Justin Masterson keeps a small notebook at his house.  He jots in it observations and advice from teammates, “just to remember,” the Red Sox rookie reliever said.  —  The most helpful thing he wrote down came from Josh Beckett …

Brewers go with Gallardo  —  According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the Brewers are going to throw young righty Yovani Gallardo against Cole Hamels in Game One on Wednesday.  A very interesting move.  Stuff wise, this guy is probably the second-best pitcher on the staff.

Black, four Padres coaches returning  —  SAN DIEGO — Bud Black will return for the third season as manager of the Padres.  —  The team announced Monday that Black and four coaches will return next season.  Bench coach Craig Colbert did not have his contract renewed.

Lohse agrees to $41 million deal  —  The Cardinals and Kyle Lohse consummated a marriage of convenience Monday afternoon when the sides agreed to a four-year, $41 million contract extension.  —  The Cardinals clarified next season's starting rotation while pre-empting what is almost certain …

Martinez, Mussina Exits May Mark End of an Era  —  It's the end of an era in New York.  Forget the dual destruction of two long-standing baseball edifices in Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium; the end of the season may also have brought a conclusion to the careers of two fin de siècle pitching greats …

Time to get creative, Yankees  —  NEW YORK — In the week since the Yankees' streak of 13 straight postseason trips ended, manager Joe Girardi broadly has hinted of the changes to come.  —  There are “some interesting people out there,” Girardi said, speaking of possible free agents.

Read: Fixing Wright  —  According to Buster Olney at ESPN.com, David Wright is one of the tangible things that the Mets need to fix for the 2009 season.  —  In the report, Olney writes: … ...i can't imagine the pressure put on this lineup when you know that no lead, or small deficit for that matter …

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 …

CC's masterpiece clinches Wild Card  —  Braun's clutch homer gives Milwaukee first berth since '82  —  MILWAUKEE — CC Sabathia strapped a whole city to his broad shoulders and carried it to the postseason.  —  Ryan Braun provided the last big push.  —  That's right, Brewers fans …