Spotlight is off Alex Rodriguez and his poker games as Yankees, Red Sox battle for first  —  Alex Rodriguez has a lot of heat on him for playing in some underground poker games.  But he won't have any heat on him this weekend as the Yankees play the Red Sox.

Lee tosses 5th shutout of 2011 as Phils top Giants  —  SAN FRANCISCO—For Cliff Lee it was just another game, another win that will help his team reach the postseason.  There was no revenge factor, no statements.  —  Lee threw a seven-hitter, Hunter Pence and John Mayberry hit …

The record chasers  —  Five players worth watching closely over the season's final two months  —  There's an old saying in baseball.  Goes kinda like this:  —  When the trading deadline ends, the pennant races begin.  —  But those eight tickets to the Octoberfest aren't all that's at stake …

Matt Stairs' career highlights  —  Matt Stairs recently announced his retirement, which didn't come as much of a surprise to those who knew he was still playing, but possibly jolted many who figured he left years ago.  —  He was a late bloomer, not making it to 100 games in a season until …

Extension offered, but Cuddyer waits  —  A two-year deal was on the table, but the All-Star wants to negotiate his contract after the season.  —  Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer  —  Buy Photos  —  view larger  —  ANAHEIM, CALIF. - Knowing Michael Cuddyer can become a free agent at season's end …

A pressing matter  —  Ochocinco grabbed my attention with his hug-the-reporters suggestion  —  Group hug.  —  I still can't get my arms around it.  —  The inimitable Chad Ochocinco, a man destined to make us forget about Bill Lee, Oil Can Boyd, Shaquille O'Neal, and every other free spirit …

Haren beats Twins 7-1 despite Thome's 598th HR  —  ANAHEIM, Calif.—Dan Haren took a one-hitter into the eighth inning before giving up Jim Thome's 598th career home run, rookie Mark Trumbo had a homer and four RBIs and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Minnesota Twins 7-1 on Thursday night in the rubber game of the three-game series.

Angry Papi: David Ortiz seethes after ridiculous RBI reversal  —  Despite a fantastic statistical season, the cranky side of David Ortiz(notes) surfaced again on Thursday night.  —  In a year that has seen the Boston Red Sox slugger battle pitchers from the Orioles and blame the media …

Batting glove the only kind that fits Mets' Murphy  —  You ask Daniel Murphy what his choice is and he pushes aside his first baseman's glove.  He moves the outfielder's glove, the second baseman's glove and the slightly longer third baseman's glove.  —  “I don't care,” he said.