Astros have a very bad day, and that's being kind  —  Manny Acta was the guy they wanted.  The Astros liked everything about him.  His presence and personality.  How he forged relationships with players.  His ability to run a game.  —  I said from the beginning that there was no right answer in this search for a new manager.

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.

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.

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 …

After Six Years, Center Stage Again  —  When they were new stars at an old park, the baseball season rarely ended until they were done playing.  Now the Yankees' core is older, the park is new and the World Series is no longer a birthright.  But the stage is theirs again.

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.

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 …

MLB ANALYST STEVE PHILLIPS FIRED BY ESPN  —  THIS IS BREAKING NEWS...  UPDATE 1: Sources to The Biz of Baseball indicate that Phillips' agent Steve Lefkowitz has said that Phillips is voluntarily admitting himself to an inpatient treatment facility to address his personal issues.

10 worst World Series games ever  —  It's that time of year again - the Fall Classic is upon us.  I have a lot of fun researching World Series related stuff.  Two years ago, I wrote a series of articles on the best games in the history of baseball's annual finale.

Yankees invite Chapman to Game 6 … Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman will be at ALCS Game 6 at Yankee Stadium as a guest of the Yankees, sources said.  —  The invitation is a not-do-subtle way of gaining an advantage in talks for the talented left-handed pitcher.

Angle tearing it up in Fall League  —  Orioles prospect records fifth straight multi-hit game  —  The fact that Matt Angle has logged five straight multi-hit games for the Arizona Fall League's Phoenix Desert Dogs came as news to Matt Angle.  —  “Really?” the Orioles outfield prospect asked after Saturday's three-hit night.