David Ortiz talks free agency, Sox mess … Could Big Papi really relocate to the Big Apple?  —  Longtime Boston Red Sox slugger and free-agent-to-be David Ortiz spoke about the possibility of signing with the AL East rival New York Yankees during an interview Wednesday with ESPN's Colleen Dominguez …

Cardinals hold off Brewers, take 2-1 series lead  —  ST. LOUIS (AP) — Albert Pujols hit an RBI double during a four-run first inning and the St. Louis bullpen bailed out Chris Carpenter as the Cardinals beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 Wednesday night for a 2-1 edge in the NL championship series.

David Wright ponders his future  —  In the final days of the season, David Wright would prepare himself at his locker almost unnoticed as crowds gathered regularly just a few feet away.  Normally the face of the Mets' franchise and team spokesman, Wright dressed silently while Jose Reyes reluctantly held court.

Jack McKeon used to lock Marlins' clubhouse door to keep Josh Beckett out during games  —  Josh Beckett is among the Red Sox pitchers who reportedly drank beer, ate fried chicken, and played video games in the clubhouse during games and former Marlins manager Jack McKeon recalls locking …

Manuel favors upgrade at third base spot  —  PHILADELPHIA — After the Phillies struggled to keep their everyday third baseman on the field the last two seasons, manager Charlie Manuel voiced his support of an upgrade on Wednesday.  —  Placido Polanco, regarded as one of the best …

Berkman booms to NL Comeback Player honors  —  Veteran slugger clubs 31 home runs in first season with Redbirds  —  ST. LOUIS — The Cardinals figured they had a quality player in Lance Berkman, someone better than the numbers he put up last year.  Even so, it's hard to believe they knew they'd get what they did.

Starting Them Young, Part One  —  Everyone missed on Mike Trout.  Don't get me wrong: Trout was a well-regarded player headed into the 2009 draft, a certain first-round talent.  But he wasn't—yet—a phenom.  Everyone liked Trout; it's just that no one loved him.

Porcello left to wonder what might have been  —  DETROIT — Rick Porcello had 'em on their feet early.  The 42,234 in Comerica Park had watched the young Tigers right-hander all season, but they had never seen him like this.  —  Porcello wasn't just retiring the Texas Rangers.

Gary Carter gets more good news  —  An MRI exam at Duke University revealed positive news in Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter's battle with cancerous brain tumors, daughter Kimmy Bloemers wrote in an online journal.  —  Carter's doctors informed the family that the tumors have shrunk 10 percent …