Wang optimistic about 2010  —  NEW YORK - Chien-Ming Wang, who had shoulder surgery in July, hopes to travel with the Yankees during the postseason even through he cannot play.  —  “This is a great team.  We can win the World Series,” he said.  “I want to see that.”

Kevin Millwood's 2010 return would benefit Texas Rangers  —  The chief concern among questions submitted this week involved the durability and affordability of right-hander Kevin Millwood.  —  He's still considered the staff ace, even by Scott Feldman, but Millwood's numbers have declined since the All-Star break.

Torii Hunter of Los Angeles Angels wins Branch Rickey Award  —  DENVER — Los Angeles Angels outfielder Torii Hunter was named the winner of the Branch Rickey Award in recognition of his work with kids in the community.  —  Created by the Rotary Club of Denver in 1991 …

Yankees get good news on Robertson  —  David Robertson and the Yankees got good news after the reliever had his ailing elbow examined by Dr. James Andrews.  —  “He won't be out more than 10 days to two weeks,” Brian Cashman said today.  “He should be pitching before September (ends).

GAMES WRITERS PLAY  —  It is a popular game with baseball writers.  It is an easy game to play.  All it requires is a telephone; the number of calls is up to the writer/player.  An Internet column I came across last week epitomized the practice.  —  I won't identify the column …

Let's be frank about these ballparks  —  With the approaching end of the regular season comes the opening of the blame game.  Some teams should look beyond the general manager, the manager, the coaching staff and the roster when assigning blame.  —  The ballparks are to blame, too.

Rockies' Contreras strains quad  —  The Rockies' injury bug has turned into an epidemic.  —  Starting pitcher Jose Contreras left today's game against the Reds in the third inning when he injured his right leg running to first base after hitting a grounder to short.

Lidge's New Role  —  Brad Lidge's role in the Phillies bullpen has changed, but how that role works remains to be seen.  —  Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said before tonight's game against the Nationals that to get Lidge right he plans to pitch him in low stress situations …

Starting 9 — Assessing young pitchers' workloads  —  Chamberlain, Porcello, Kershaw, among others, pushing the limit on their inning totals  —  We've seen the advent of the Joba Rules and baseball embrace the tenets of the “Verducci effect,” which says young pitchers run an increased risk …

“It's a baseball game; it's not a physically taxing sport.”  —  Interim manager Jim Riggleman feels baseball is not that hard of a sport.  Not hard in the sense that it takes a toll on a player physically.  —  Prior to tonight's game with the Phillies, Riggleman was asked how he plans …

Royals' Gil Meche not likely to pitch the rest of the season  —  Gil Meche is now unlikely to pitch again the rest of the season, and Brian Bannister is headed to New York for a second opinion as both Royals pitchers deal with shoulder injuries.  —  Royals manager Trey Hillman would not reveal …

Decisions abound for Brewers in 2010  —  Several roster decisions are in store for next season  —  MILWAUKEE — Last season on Sept. 10, the Brewers were 20 games over .500 and owned a four-game lead in the National League Wild Card race.  This season, their fans are already thinking ahead to 2010.

Rockies roll over Reds, log seventh consecutive win  —  DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Rockies keep losing players and winning games.  —  Starting pitcher Jose Contreras (FSY) came out in the third inning with a strained quadriceps Thursday, his second start for injured Aaron Cook (FSY).

Royals cap surprising sweep of first-place Tigers … KANSAS CITY, Mo.(AP) When the first-place Detroit Tigers rolled into last-place Kansas City this week, they had good reason to hope for a three-game sweep.  —  Instead, the Tigers got swept themselves - by three spot starters.

With third hit of night, Jeter ties Gehrig  —  Captain even with Iron Horse atop Yankees' list with 2,721  —  NEW YORK — With a bunt, a blast and a rip, Derek Jeter tied Lou Gehrig on Wednesday night for the most hits in Yankees history.  —  Jeter laced the first pitch Rays starter Jeff Niemann threw …