Ronan Tynan's tongue causes trouble as Yankees sack Irish tenor's appearance  —  Irish tenor Ronan Tynan sings a first-rate “God Bless America,” at Yankee Stadium, but his attempt at telling a joke offended a Jewish doctor who found it to be anti-Semitic.  —  Tynan apologized, telling WNBC …

Phillies, Manuel roll dice with Pedro  —  LOS ANGELES - If it works out, if Pedro Martinez pitches well, it will only buff Charlie Manuel's reputation as a baseball savant to a high luster.  —  If it explodes, if it blows up in his face like a trick cigar and the Phillies are eventually eliminated …

Good seats still available  —  The Yankees are in the ALCS for the first time since — ahem — 2004.  But Yankee Stadium may not be sold out tonight for Game 1 against the Angels.  That's embarrassing for the business side of the organization.  —  Whether it's the economy or the outrageous ticket prices …

ALCS Game 1: Angels at Yankees  —  YANKEES  —  Pitching: LHP CC Sabathia (1-0, 1.37 ERA)  —  ANGELS  —  WEATHER: Double sweatshirt, at least.  Temps in the 30s, winds whipping around the Stadium and the threat of rain looming over the whole thing.  Check out the forecast here.

Wakefield's surgery set  —  Tim Wakefield is set to undergo surgery on a herniated disc in his back Wednesday, with the possibility of the operation being moved up slightly.  —  Wakefield has said that doctors told him that the procedure would not hinder his preparation for next season.

Ex-Yank exec Swindal opening baseball academy  —  He lost the keys to the Yankee empire two years ago, but Steve Swindal is quietly making his baseball comeback in the sport's talent-rich Dominican Republic.  —  Saturday, more than 100 talent evaluators are expected to attend a baseball showcase …

Florida Marlins Team Report  —  INSIDE PITCH  —  The Marlins finished with the third-best record in franchise history, but the front office deemed the season a “disappointment” for not making the playoffs.  That means sweeping changes could be in store.  —  One of those changes will not be manager Fredi Gonzalez, however.

Major-league catchers developing leadership skills behind the plate … NEW YORK — By day, Haig Nalbantian and Rick Guzzo specialize in finding the most efficient ways to train future business executives.  —  For years, they have consulted some of the nation's largest companies.

Rays to stay busy during the offseason  —  Key dates, decisions loom for Tampa Bay's front office  —  All that's left to do now is sit back and watch.  —  After a history-making 2008 season, the Rays couldn't recapture that magic to vault them back to the postseason in '09.

For one day, Mike & Mad Dog reunite  —  in the ALCS, just like old times, the buildup to tonight's Game 1 will include a nostalgic media touch: a mini-reunion of “Mike and the Mad Dog” on WFAN.  —  Just after 1 p.m., Chris Russo is scheduled to visit Mike Francesa's “Mike'd Up,” …

ALCS Smackdown: Angels vs. Yankees  —  The Los Angeles Angels, champions of the AL West, and the New York Yankees, champions of the AL East, are about ready to step into the ring to battle for the American League Championship, or what some refer to as the heavyweight championship of Major League Baseball.

Strasburg set for Arizona Fall League debut  —  Right-hander to lead Desert Dogs against Scorpions  —  PHOENIX — If it was Friday night at San Diego State this past college season, it was Stephen Strasburg night at Tony Gwynn Stadium — standing-room-only crowds amid great anticipation and excitement.