Not even cancer diagnosis can shake Harwell's spirit  —  Legendary Tigers broadcaster reflects on career, looks to future with resolve  —  His voice was clear, his spirit strong, his words tinged with humor.  —  But legendary broadcaster Ernie Harwell had bracing news to deliver Thursday: He has a tumor in the area of the bile duct.

Jays shut down Rzepczynski for season  —  Rookie left-hander has reached allotted innings total  —  TORONTO — Merchantsauto.com Stadium in Manchester, N.H., is a lot closer to Boston's Fenway Park, about an hour's drive, than it is to Rogers Centre.  —  But Marc Rzepczynski was a lot closer …

Pedro outduels Giants' young ace  —  Martinez strikes out nine over seven innings  —  PHILADELPHIA — There had been a lot of talk this week about how nobody wants to face the Giants in the playoffs.  —  Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain in a best-of-five National League Division Series?  —  No, thanks.

CC named AL's best August pitcher  —  Yankees lefty unbeaten during historically strong month  —  Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia has been named the American League Pitcher of the Month for August.  —  In six starts last month, Sabathia posted a perfect 5- record with a 2.64 ERA while leading …

The Case for Derek Jeter, MVP  —  In the movie industry, many recipients get an Oscar years after they really ­deserve one, and often as a kind of lifetime achievement award.  Paul Newman, for ­instance, took one home in 1987 for his performance in “The Color of Money,” …

New York Mets' future looks downright gloomy  —  Trading Jose Reyes could be a huge step toward jump-starting moribund franchise  —  Their season hasn't just been a disappointment.  It's been a Freddy Krueger movie.  —  But at least there's one good thing those fast-sinking New York Mets can say about their 2009 horror show:

Ken Griffey Jr. open to playing another year in Seattle  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — Ken Griffey Jr. sure seems like someone who wants to stick around the Seattle Mariners for another season.  —  He's as happy as he's been in years, back where he began his 21-year big league career in 1989 …

Moore confirms Hillman to return as manager, says players accountable for poor season  —  If there was any doubt before, there is none now.  Trey Hillman will return next year for a third season as the Royals' manager.  —  For weeks, as the club foundered, general manager Dayton Moore voiced strong support …

Garland … LOS ANGELES(AP) Growing up in Southern California, Jon Garland always dreamed of pitching at Dodgers Stadium.  —  Even in his wildest imagination, he probably didn't think it would happen against a bunch of guys who were his teammates a couple days earlier.

A's activate Crosby from disabled list  —  Right-hander Meloan claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh  —  OAKLAND — The A's made a pair of moves Wednesday in advance of the finale of a three-game series against the visiting Royals, activating infielder Bobby Crosby from the 15-day disabled list …

Hamilton day-to-day with pinched nerve  —  Slugger to have his back evaluated on Friday in Baltimore  —  ARLINGTON — Outfielder Josh Hamilton has been diagnosed with a pinched nerve in his lower back.  —  Hamilton was given an anti-inflammatory injection to reduce the swelling.

Yankees' Rivera feels OK, no date for next game  —  Buzz up!  —  TORONTO (AP)—Injured New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera  —  said his sore left groin felt fine after a light workout Thursday, and he hopes to soon pitch off a bullpen mound.  —  Rivera threw in the outfield before a night game against Toronto.

Cameron ‘willing to make a sacrifice’ to stay in Milwaukee  —  Impending free agent Mike Cameron said yesterday that he'd like to remain in Milwaukee beyond this season and “would be willing to make a sacrifice to make that happen.”  —  Cameron is earning $10 million this season and would fetch …

Rays avoid collapse, beat Red Sox 8-5  —  Buzz up!  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)—The Tampa Bay Rays keep finding ways to hang in the AL playoff race.  —  “You're not always going to win.  It's not always going to be an oil painting,” manager Joe Maddon said Wednesday night …