A-Rod unlikely to be suspended over alleged poker games … Alex Rodriguez reportedly played in a couple card games at rich guys' houses in or near Beverly Hills.  The stakes were said to be high.  —  And word out of well-placed Los Angeles poker sources is that Rodriguez is already trying to find poker games for next winter in L.A.

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 …

Even in the East  —  The Red Sox fall 7-3 to the Indians and the Yankees sweep the White Sox 7-2, setting up a weekend series in Boston with the two teams tied at 68-42.  They hold a big lead in the wild card as well, so this is for home field in the first two rounds of the playoffs.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

Colbert in charge of MLB's Twitter for today  —  Stephen Colbert has taken over the MLB Twitter account.  —  No, the host of the “Colbert Report” didn't hack in.  He won the keys fair and square by defeating MLB in the Beat the Streak Challenge back on June 14.  —  The Colbert Report