Epstein's stable has another winner  —  SAN DIEGO - Jed Hoyer, the new general manager of the San Diego Padres, said all the right things during his introductory news conference yesterday, but he fell short of saying what Red Sox fans wanted to hear - that he would trade superstar Adrian Gonzalez to Boston.

Steinbrenner to attend Game 1 of Series  —  Owner will be present as Yanks begin quest for 27th ring  —  NEW YORK — George M. Steinbrenner watched from his Tampa, Fla., home as Mariano Rivera threw the final pitch of the American League Championship Series, sending the Yankees on to their first World Series in six years.

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 …

The Art of the Ballpark Seat  —  Look at this.  [holds up a silver pocket watch] It's worthless.  Ten dollars from a vendor in the street.  But I take it, I bury it in the sand for a thousand years, it becomes priceless!  Rene Belloq in “Raiders of the Lost Ark”  —  History is a funny thing.

Tigers join Chapman sweepstakes … The Tigers have joined the host of teams expressing interest in Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman, a source tells SI.com.  The team has contacted Chapman's camp in attempts to schedule a meeting later this week or early next week, the source said.

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 …

Braylon Edwards charged with assault in downtown dispute  —  Cleveland, Ohio — Former Cleveland Browns star wide receiver Braylon Edwards was charged Monday with misdemeanor assault stemming from an incident several weeks ago outside of a downtown nightclub where he got into a fight with a local party promoter.

Former congressman Tom Davis says ex-Yankee Roger Clemens was in denial during congressional hearing  —  Former congressman Tom Davis, who once led the House committee that helped destroy the baseball legacies of Mark McGwire and Roger Clemens, says he applauds McGwire's return but thinks Clemens …

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.

Philadelphia fans paying more for Series tickets  —  The Yankees are used to support from many of their fans when they play on the road, but they might find the tables turned this week in the Bronx.  —  Tickets on the secondary ticket market for games in Yankee Stadium so far …

Astros claim Bourgeois  —  By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel  —  The Houston Astros have claimed outfielder Jason Bourgeois on waivers from the Brewers.  —  The Brewers placed Bourgeois on waivers to clear him from their 40-man roster and the Astros claimed him.

Inbox: Can Moore replace Johjima in '10?  —  Beat reporter Jim Street answers Mariners fans' questions … Adam Moore did really well in the little amount of playing time he received with the Mariners late in the season.  Now that Kenji Johjima has returned to Japan to finish his career …

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.

Yanks thump Giants in NY ratings  —  The Yankee blew out the Giants in the ratings race in New York Sunday night, but the national contest was much closer, with the Yankees in the lead based on 56 major markets measured in “overnight” ratings.  —  In New York, ALCS Game 6 on Fox averaged 26.4 percent …

McGwire's return to Cardinals as hitting coach makes sense  —  Mark McGwire was without a hitting-coach portfolio as yet when he offered his first professional assessment in the spring of 2001, McGwire's last year with the Cardinals as a player.  —  Approaching manager Tony La Russa …