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.

Posada makes history; Yanks keep rolling  —  Catcher becomes seventh Yankee to hit 20 homers in ‘09  —  TORONTO — Though the final returns on the Yankees’ season won't be known for approximately two months, it can now be officially said: This lineup pounds the baseball like none other before it.

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.

No changes to Citi Field layout in 2010  —  The Mets like Citi Field just the way it is.  Or at least they've learned to appreciate the spacious dimensions and high outfield walls.  Which is why the front office, as well as ownership, has no immediate plans to change the layout of the new $800-million ballpark.

Groin trouble means Bombers won't go to Mo  —  TORONTO - Mariano Rivera is optimistic about his groin injury, but the closer realizes that the Yankees aren't about to take any chances with him as they enter the stretch run.  —  Rivera threw on flat ground and long-tossed Thursday, reporting no problems with his sore left groin.

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 …

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.

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 …

Superstitious Fans Wonder: Is Ballpark Concessionaire Aramark bad for Baseball teams?  —  Baseball teams in stadiums that use concessionaire Aramark fall short of expected performance, get caught stealing more, and have fewer home runs than teams that don't use Aramark

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 …

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 …