Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, wife Jamie separate  —  The team releases a statement, calling it a ‘personal matter.’  —  Jamie and Frank McCourt, who bought the Dodgers in 2004, confirmed their separation in a statement released by the Dodgers on Wednesday night.  (Los Angeles Times)

Mariano wins Delivery Man of Year Award  —  It's third time in his career Yanks closer has picked up honor  —  NEW YORK — In a postseason in which closer after closer has faltered, Mariano Rivera has stood tall.  Battling an illness, Rivera tossed at least one scoreless inning in each …

Cash-strapped Texas Rangers moving further from date with destiny  —  Give the Texas Rangers credit.  They possess the ability to make news during the playoffs even without participating in them.  —  On Wednesday we learned that the organization is getting rid of Rudy Jaramillo but hanging onto some of your money.

Angels announce their ALCS rotation  —  Mike Scioscia was a little more forthcoming at his post-workout media session in California, revealing his four-man series rotation.  John Lackey, as expected, will pitch Game 1, with Joe Saunders pitching Game 2, Jered Weaver in Game 3 and Scott Kazmir in Game 4.

Hanley signs with Louisville Slugger  —  NL batting champ's signature will appear on bats  —  MIAMI — For winning the National League batting title, Hanley Ramirez recently won the Silver Bat Award, presented by Louisville Slugger.  —  The Marlins All-Star shortstop is regarded as one of the top players in the game.

Myers Off NLCS Roster, Park On  —  Brett Myers said tonight that the Phillies have told him he is not on the NLCS roster.  —  “I'm (ticked),” he said.  —  Chan Ho Park will take his place, a team source said.  Park has not pitched since Sept. 16 because of a strained right hamstring, but Park said he feels healthy.

Japanese lefty sparks interest from MLB  —  The Red Sox are reportedly one of several teams interested in lefthander Yusei Kikuchi, the top amateur player in Japan.  —  Kikuchi is trying to decide whether to bypass the Japanese draft in favor of signing with a Major League team as a free agent.

Bochy says Lansford is not a scapegoat, says it's time for a new voice  —  Carney Lansford is not a scapegoat, Bruce Bochy said.  —  The Giants' manager strenuously made that point clear when discussing the decision to fire his hitting coach after two seasons.  —  “I'd say that's not fair and that's not true,” Bochy said.

Theo Epstein sees value in patch jobs  —  Re-arm with retreads  —  Last winter, the Red Sox [team stats] signed two veterans with shoulder issues - Brad Penny and John Smoltz - to modest deals, designed to give the team inexpensive depth.  —  Neither deal worked out particularly well.

Billingsley to 'pen; Garland off roster  —  Healthy Kuroda causes ripple effect on Dodgers' squad  —  LOS ANGELES — Reliever Jeff Weaver was sent home from Wednesday's practice with flu-like symptoms, the third Dodgers player this week to fall ill with a bug on the eve …