Don Mattingly, Los Angeles Dodgers ponder coach's next move  —  Don Mattingly was on the short list of managerial candidates in Cleveland, and wasn't hired.  —  But he is speaking with the Los Angeles Dodgers about his future with that organization, and while it would be premature …

Beltran Not an Option for Sox (or Anyone Else)  —  A recent story in the Boston Herald suggested that Mets centerfielder Carlos Beltran could be an intriguing contingency plan for the Red Sox this offseason should Boston fail to re-sign left-fielder Jason Bay.

Vladimir Guerrero goes down swinging — and zinging  —  In what might have been his final game as an Angel, the normally keep-to-himself slugger has three hits and twice jaws at home plate umpire Dale Scott over disputed strike calls in 5-2 loss.  —  Angels designated hitter watches …

Scenes from a party  —  I was told that the Yankees had about 25-30 cases and approximately 300 bottles of Champagne in this celebration.  Judging by the smell of my shirt right now, I can certainly believe it.  —  A few scenes that will stand out:  —  • Hal Steinbrenner doing …

La Russa's back — with McGwire  —  Tony La Russa this morning will announce his return as Cardinals manager along with the surprise addition of Mark McGwire, the former home run king, who will end an eight-year, self-imposed exile from the game to become the team's hitting coach.

No shortage of stars and subplots in Philadelphia Phillies-New York Yankees World Series, writes Howard Bryant  —  No shortage of stars, subplots and similarities in Phillies-Yankees Fall Classic … NEW YORK — The Cinderellas of Minnesota and Colorado are long gone, dusted away by bad breaks …

Halos' offseason holds big decisions  —  Key players to ALCS run eligible for free agency  —  ANAHEIM — When it comes to revealing where they stand on personnel matters, the Angels' decision-makers don't play it close to the vest.  —  They play it inside the vest.  That's where you'll find their hands and cards.

Opinion: I'm Rooting for the Phillies to Fail  —  I am not rooting for the Yankees, I just can't root for the Phillies.  —  The two teams will compete in the World Series, starting Wednesday night, thus putting a perfect and painful finish on top of what has been one of the worst seasons in Mets history.

Red Sox confirm Hoyer to take Padres GM job  —  Jed Hoyer, who served as one of general manager Theo Epstein's most trusted and capable assistants during his seven seasons as a member of the Red Sox front office, was named general manager of the San Diego Padres today, the club announced.

Donnelly not ruling out returning to Marlins  —  Veteran reliever expected to explore free agency this offseason  —  MIAMI — In July, it was a perfect fit.  —  Now, the Marlins are asking themselves if the matchup makes sense for 2010.  —  In early July, the Marlins were seeking relief help …

Michael Stanton, Florida Marlins' top prospect, shut down from Arizona Fall League with sore back  —  Right-fielder Michael Stanton's Arizona Fall League season is over.  The Marlins shut him down because of a sore back.  —  “It's nothing major.  It's just a sore back,” said Jim Fleming, the Marlins' player development director.