Sources: Bobby Valentine, Florida Marlins talking about job  —  At a time when Bobby Valentine has begun the process of talking with teams about a possible return as a manager in Major League Baseball, sources said he is in communication with the Florida Marlins about a possible position with that team …

Joba to pitch an inning in relief in finale  —  ‘Rules’ revised as Girardi crafts bullpen for postseason  —  ST. PETERSBURG — For at least one day, the Yankees are putting Joba Chamberlain back in the bullpen.  —  Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that the club has reconsidered its stance …

Dodgers finally come to play  —  On its sixth day of trying, L.A. gets to celebrate its second consecutive National League West championship.  —  Sick of staring at it, the Dodgers became it, pouring themselves across Chavez Ravine on Saturday night like the champagne that has haunted them.

Macha back with option  —  By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel  —  St. Louis - Brewers general manager Doug Melvin confirmed Sunday morning what had become increasingly obvious in recent days, that manager Ken Macha would be returning in 2010 for the second year of his two-year contract.

Anthopoulos faces decisions with Jays  —  New general manager will decide direction to take club  —  BALTIMORE — Alex Anthopoulos was noticeably flustered, overwhelmed by the whirlwind events that led to his being named the Blue Jays' new general manager on Saturday.

Sources: Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell out of Cleveland Indians managerial race  —  John Farrell, the pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox, has removed himself from consideration for Cleveland's managerial opening, according to sources.  —  The Indians fired Eric Wedge on Thursday …

Former Bosox hurler still brings opinionated heat  —  WHEN Bill Lee pitched, he often was at loggerheads with the baseball establishment.  So it's no surprise that he's become a logger.  The Spaceman is into sustainable logging and bat-making these days, and still hates the Yankees with a Red Sox Nation vengeance.

Figueroa pitches shutout, Mets beat Astros 4-0  —  NEW YORK - Nelson Figueroa pitched a four-hitter for his first major league complete game, Angel Pagan keyed the offense and the New York Mets wrapped up a miserable season Sunday by completing a three-game sweep of the Houston Astros with a 4-0 victory.

Tigers extend season, assured at least a tie in the AL Central  —  DETROIT (AP) — Justin Verlander (FSY) and Ryan Raburn (FSY) gave the Detroit Tigers at least one more game.  —  Raburn hit two homers and Magglio Ordonez (FSY) had a solo shot to lead slumping Detroit over the Chicago White Sox 5-3 Sunday …

Bottom line: Moorad blew it in firing Towers  —  You're only as good as your latest boss thinks you are, and for vague reasons not adequately explained, that's what Kevin Towers became.  But, even if we knew everything we'd like to know, new Padres CEO Jeff Moorad has made the first real blunder of his captaincy.

Angels lacking answers  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. - I am having a moment with John Lackey.  —  Lackey has just made his last regular-season start of 2009, and he has been coy about which game he will pitch against the Red Sox.  Standing in front of his locker while his teammates pack and dress …

Podsednik open-minded about market  —  Outfielder likes Chicago, but will explore free agency  —  DETROIT — There's has been little doubt left by Scott Podsednik in regard to his strong desire to return to the White Sox for the 2010 season and possibly beyond.

20 Moments That Said It All for the Yankees and Mets  —  As the regular season concludes, here is a look back at the achievements and blunders that defined the Yankees' and Mets' seasons, respectively.  Compiled by Tyler Kepner, Ken Belson, Elena Gustines and Jay Schreiber.  —  The Yankees' Highlights