Beckett out, Bowden in  —  The Red Sox have made a surprising last-minute pitching change, with Michael Bowden getting the start in place of Josh Beckett tonight against the Blue Jays.  —  The Globe's Tony Massarotti reports that the cause is mild back spasms.

Chicago Cubs lose 5-1 to San Francisco Giants  —  Pitcher Rich Harden would like to be back, but feeling isn't mutual  —  Randy Wells throws to the Giants during the first inning.  (George Nikitin, Associated Press / September 27, 2009)  —  SAN FRANCISCO — When he shut himself …

Brewers Owner Acknowledges Fielder Could Be Dealt  —  Brewers owner Mark Attanasio believes that Prince Fielder is at his maximum trade-market value right now, writes Don Walker of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  Fielder is due to receive $10.5MM on the back end of a two-year $18MM agreement and is hitting .297/.406/.596 with 43 HRs.

Pioneer League Top 20 Prospects  —  Top draft picks by Angels, Diamondbacks help stock list  —  The Pioneer League's season stretched to Sept. 11, making it anywhere from 10 days to two weeks longer than any other Rookie-level circuit.  The quirky schedule gave several premium 2009 draft picks …

Game 157: Royals at Yankees  —  YANKEES (100-56)  —  Pitching: RHP Chad Gaudin (1-0, 3.71).  —  ROYALS (64-92)  —  Maier LF  —  Betancourt SS  —  Butler 1B  —  Jacobs DH  —  Callaspo 2B  —  Teahen RF  —  Olivo C  —  Gordon 3B  —  Anderson CF  —  Pitching: RHP Luke Hochevar (7-11, 5.98).

Los Angeles Dodgers hold outfielder Manny Ramirez out with sore hamstring  —  PITTSBURGH — Outfielder Manny Ramirez was out of the Dodgers' lineup Monday because of a sore left hamstring, the same problem that forced third baseman Casey Blake to return early to Los Angeles to be treated by a team doctor.

Party time: Yanks kings of AL East  —  Pettitte's solid start, clutch hit by Matsui secure title  —  NEW YORK — The expectation was always that the Yankees would bring championship baseball back to the Bronx, and though they had to know this celebration was coming for some time, it tasted just as sweet.

Fancy new stadium awaits Twins  —  MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins' warm-up space for pinch-hitters at the Metrodome is a cross between a toolshed and a neglected restroom in a gas station.  —  There's a dirty sink and dusty paper towel dispenser.  Electrical cords hang on the wall.

TIGERS AND TWINS OPEN CRUCIAL SERIES AT COMERICA PARK  —  The Sports Network  —  (Sports Network) - With one week remaining in the regular season, the American League Central title remains very much up for grabs.  The picture should become a little clearer, however, when the division-leading Detroit Tigers …

Nats' MVP started at the top  —  Morgan was catalyst for offense before season-ending injury  —  Quick, who has been the Washington Nationals' MVP in 2009?  Ryan Zimmerman?  Adam Dunn?  John Lannan?  —  While there are certainly arguments to be made for any of those guys …

Rangers Notes: Byrd, Holland, Feliz  —  It's hard to gauge what the Texas Rangers will look to do this offseason.  There are reports that they are interested in acquiring outfielder Milton Bradley from the Cubs, who would likely eat a large chunk of the $21MM owed to him over the next two years of his contract.

Lester looking good in long toss  —  Greetings from Fenway Park.  Shaping up to be a beautiful fall evening for tonight's game against the Blue Jays.  —  Jon Lester is in the bullpen right now throwing a side session and, from our perch in the Fenway press box, he is looking pretty good.

Leader's choice: Yanks decide ALDS setup  —  With league's best record, New York determines length  —  NEW YORK — The Yankees have clinched.  Now they must choose.  —  For the third consecutive season, by virtue of winning the All-Star Game, the American League team with the best record …