MLB slams McCourt in bankruptcy court filing  —  Major League Baseball proposed a bankruptcy financing plan for the Dodgers on Tuesday, asking a Delaware court to reject a plan offered Monday by Frank McCourt and mincing no words in blaming the Dodgers' owner for the team's current financial predicament.

As race with the Red Sox heats up, Yankees may pay price for arms  —  The Yankees have the best record in the American League and the worst record against the Red Sox.  —  Which carries the most influence with the trade deadline a month away?  —  Organizations generally try to build a team …

Williams defends Dunn signing  —  Sox GM covers many bases in wide-ranging interview  —  White Sox general manager Kenny Williams has no regrets about signing slugger Adam Dunn.  (Phil Velasquez, Chicago Tribune / December 3, 2010)  —  Saying, “I would make the same move tomorrow” …

The Math Problem  —  Sabermetrics can help teams identify hidden talent and turn regular sports fans into math nerds.  But can the numbers lie?  —  Buying a car is a hard decision.  There are just so many variables to think about.  We've got to inspect the interior and analyze the engine, and research the reliability of the brand.

Indians OF Choo has thumb surgery  —  CLEVELAND—Indians outfielder Shin-Soo Choo could miss up to 2 1/2 months after having surgery on his broken left thumb.  —  Choo's thumb was broken Friday night in San Francisco when he was struck while batting in the fourth inning by Giants left-hander Jonathan Sanchez.

Jonathan Broxton shut down again  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Jonathan Broxton has been shut down from throwing again for at least another three weeks after suffering a setback with his right elbow just before he was to have come off the 15-day disabled list.

Mets: Jon Niese passes heart tests  —  DETROIT — New York Mets left-hander Jon Niese passed a battery of heart-related tests Tuesday at Henry Ford Hospital, assistant general manager John Ricco said.  Niese experienced a rapid heartbeat on the mound during the sixth inning of a game Saturday at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

Jenks hopes health woes are thing of past  —  PHILADELPHIA — Bobby Jenks hit the re-start button again on Tuesday night, when he was activated from his second stint on the 15-day disabled list.  —  The combination of pitching struggles and health woes have been trying for Jenks …

Cecil Fielder thinks Mets could have chance at signing son Prince Fielder when he hits free agency  —  Could Prince Fielder be a Met next year?  His father, Cecil, seems to think it could happen.  —  They say they are losing money off the field and they're struggling to contend on it …

MLB Suspends Donavan Tate For Drug Of Abuse  —  Padres outfielder Donavan Tate, the No. 3 overall pick of the 2009 draft, was suspended for 50 games Tuesday for violating Major League Baseball's drug prevention and treatment program.  Tate tested positive a second time for a drug of abuse …

Blue Jays recall Brett Cecil  —  Brett Cecil is returning to the Toronto Blue Jays.  —  The American League club announced on Tuesday that the left-handed pitcher has been recalled from Las Vegas of the Pacific Coast League.  —  To make room for Cecil on the roster the Blue Jays …

Surging Yanks host NL Central-leading Brewers … A veteran lineup continues to produce for New York Yankees, who have a slim lead in the AL East.  —  The Milwaukee Brewers have opened a slightly larger advantage in the NL Central thanks to their young stars.

Wainwright fights to get back quickly  —  Much like the 35 or so players who have been on the Cardinals' roster this season, Adam Wainwright is on a mission.  Or at least he has a dream.  —  “My modest goal,” he said, “is try to talk them into letting me play on the playoff roster in October.”

Ellsbury closes gap on Hamilton in All-Star voting  —  NEW YORK—Jacoby Ellsbury has narrowed the gap on Josh Hamilton in fan voting for the final starting spot in the American League outfield at the All-Star game.  —  Major League Baseball released the latest results Tuesday.

Burrell, Rowand Lead Giants Past Cubs in DH Opener  —  CHICAGO (AP) — Pat Burrell and Aaron Rowand each drove in three runs and the San Francisco Giants beat the Chicago Cubs 13-7 on Tuesday in the first game of a day-night doubleheader.  —  The Giants' offensive outburst surpassed …