Perfect Sox storm?  —  They're rested, Yankees aren't  —  Getting two games in Saturday and winning both put the Red Sox in an advantageous position in the American League East relative to the Yankees, who have a busy schedule the rest of the way, including West Coast travel and makeup games.

Ethier backs off comments in column  —  LOS ANGELES — Andre Ethier was not in the Dodgers' lineup on Sunday.  But he was in a meeting with general manager Ned Colletti and manager Don Mattingly, and then in an examination with Dr. Neal ElAttrache to sort out the truth and consequences of his right knee.

Are the Cardinals too homer happy?  —  TOWER GROVE  • On Sunday, the St. Louis Cardinals did what some believed to be unthinkable: They scored seven runs without the benefit of one ball leaving the ballpark.  —  “It does happen,” manager Tony La Russa said, drolly.

10 things I didn't know about managerial match-ups  —  This Saturday, an oddball bit of trivial baseball history will silently happen.  For the first time in the big leagues since July, 1984, two rival managers will face off against each other in the regular season for the 200th …

Berkman among Rangers' options if Cruz replacement needed  —  St. Louis' Lance Berkman is the top alternative should the Texas Rangers decide they need an outfielder to fill in for the injured Nelson Cruz.  —  Cruz came out of Sunday's win against the Los Angeles Angels in the sixth inning because of a strained left hamstring.

Showalter: Yankees complaints ‘a little disrespectful to Flanny, quite frankly’  —  Buck Showalter was asked in his pre-game media session about the New York Yankees' griping about the way the Orioles handled the Hurricane Irene postponements and the rescheduling, and the outspoken manager predictably didn't mince words.

Braun, Fielder fast becoming historic tandem  —  Dynamic duo has Brewers steaming toward October  —  MILWAUKEE — This is not a story about personality, though Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder each have it in abundance — Braun the businessman, and Fielder the fiery family man.

Plenty of room for debate on MVP discussion, plus my picks … Blue Jays star Jose Bautista deserves strong consideration for the American League MVP award, and if someone thinks he's the MVP because he's been the best player in the league, that's understandable.

A LOOK AT THE MAKING OF THE NEW JOSH BECKETT  —  It took some time, but Josh Beckett has it all figured out.  —  First, the topic of life after his current contract (which runs through the 2014 season):  —  “I'll probably go year to year, because I don't want to be in any obligations,” he said.

Ledezma designated for assignment  —  TORONTO — Left-hander Wil Ledezma was designated for assignment following the Blue Jays' 12-0 loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday afternoon.  —  Ledezma was brought out to start the ninth inning in a 6-0 game but struggled to get through the frame.

Where Chipper ranks among all-time 3B  —  If you're an Atlanta Braves fan, maybe you remember the rookie Bobby Cox entrusted to hit third in the lineup in the 1995 World Series.  Or maybe you remember September of 1999, when Chipper Jones hit 10 home runs, including two solo shots in a 2-1 victory over the Mets.

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