Howard's end: Slugger NLCS MVP  —  Two homers, eight RBIs help Phils reach World Series  —  PHILADELPHIA — For the first time in nine playoff games, Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard did not to get a hit or an RBI on Wednesday night.  —  He did pick up another trophy, though.

Mattingly Has Preliminary Interview With Indians  —  PHILADELPHIA — Don Mattingly, the Dodgers' hitting coach, had a preliminary telephone interview with the Cleveland Indians for their vacant managerial position, and could meet with them after the Dodgers' season ends.

Replay for the World Series could work  —  Don Denkinger, an umpire who had one of the most famous blown calls in history, tells Bob Klapisch: It's time to go to replay.  —  Here's the thing: Eventually, expanded use of replay is going to happen.  It's as inevitable as a Democrat or Republican winning the next presidential election.

Coveted Aroldis Chapman to meet with teams in New York  —  Prized Cuban left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman will arrive in New York on Wednesday to begin a series of meetings with several general managers, Chapman's agent, Edwin Mejia, confirmed.  —  The 21-year-old will visit several cities …

ESPN's Steve Phillips confesses affair, takes leave  —  HARTFORD, Conn. — ESPN baseball analyst Steve Phillips acknowledged having an affair with an assistant at the cable network and has taken a leave of absence during the playoffs.  —  Phillips said Wednesday in a statement released …

Braves Rumors: Soriano, Gonzalez, Hudson  —  David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution talked to Braves GM Frank Wren yesterday.  Hot stove highlights:  — Wren considers the Braves' biggest needs to be the bullpen and the offense.  — O'Brien is certain the Braves won't try …

Astros meet with Acta, Mills for second interview  —  The Astros began their second round of interviews with former Nationals manager Manny Acta and Boston Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills, both called back Wednesday from the initial list of 10.  —  Owner Drayton McLane would only concede …

Greasing poles in case of a Phillies victory  —  City workers have greased poles along South Broad Street in an effort to deter revellers from climbing them during any wild celebrations that might follow a possible Phillies victory tonight.  —  Street lights, signs, bus shelters and even trees …

Theo speaks on offseason, Drew, and philosophies  —  Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein joined the Dennis & Callahan Show Thursday morning and touched on his team's approach to the offseason, the value of J.D. Drew, the future of Daniel Bard as a closer. and some of the organization's philosophies.

Fox adds Guillen to broadcast booth … Baseball fans, get ready for a bleeping interesting analyst.  SI.com has learned that Ozzie Guillen, the colorful and occasionally profanity-laden manager of the White Sox, has been hired by Fox Sports to serve as a pre- and postgame analyst for the network's World Series coverage.

Sources: San Diego Padres closer to hiring Jed Hoyer as GM  —  The San Diego Padres are moving closer toward hiring Jed Hoyer, an assistant general manager with the Boston Red Sox, as their next general manager, according to major league sources.  —  Hoyer, 35, has worked in Boston's front office under Theo Epstein.

Multiple Teams Eyeing Milton Bradley  —  “Multiple teams are in contact with the Cubs about outfielder Milton Bradley,” according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.  Rosenthal even quotes one source who said, “You would be shocked at the level of interest.”  —  Rosenthal says the Cubs believe …