So when do the playoffs start?  Good question  —  The Minnesota Twins are still on the field at the moment, but with an AL Central Division playoff game looming, the Red Sox are facing an unusual predicament.  They may not know when they will begin their AL Division Series against the Los Angeles Angels until late Tuesday afternoon.

Could Valentine be Marlins' manager? … Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria is said to be less than satisfied with his team's standing, and in a fairly shocking development is apparently considering replacing well-regarded manager Fredi Gonzalez, who has been widely praised for his performance this season.

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.

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 …

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.

Piniella: Sandberg would be ‘in mix’  —  Skipper warns managing Minors is different than Majors  —  CHICAGO — Ryne Sandberg is expected to ride buses for at least another year before he has a chance to fulfill his ambition of succeeding Lou Piniella as manager of the Cubs.

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.

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 …

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.

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.

Tigers' Cabrera declines comment on cut on face … DETROIT (AP) — Tigers star Miguel Cabrera says he's focusing only on the final scheduled game of the season when asked about a bruise and cut on his left cheek.  —  Cabrera declined to say Sunday why his face took the brunt …