Pujols displays zero leadership after Game 2 loss  —  ST. LOUIS - The kids could handle the mess.  Never mind that Albert Pujols(notes) created it.  This is his clubhouse, where his rules apply and where the term leader is thrown around rather liberally considering real leaders, you know, lead.

Toronto— From Saturday's Globe and Mail  —  We'll know by this time next week whether Mark McGwire has won another World Series ring.  It won't be until January that we'll know how much his reputation has been saved.  —  But make no mistake: reading what amounts to baseball's version of the tea leaves …

Five years after last shot at Series, Mets face game-changing winter  —  Mets on Twitter  —  “We'll explore Wright's market,” a team official said.  “I think considering where we are as an organization, it would be foolish not to at least look at it.  However, I expect actually pulling the trigger is a long shot.”

Bucs to decline options on Snyder, Doumit  —  In a pronouncement that comes as no surprise, general manager Neal Huntington said that the Pirates intend to decline club options for Ryan Doumit and Chris Snyder after the conclusion of the World Series.  The catchers are two of four Pirates who hold club options for the 2012 season.

Source: Citi Field changes on tap  —  Substantial dimension changes to Citi Field will be announced after the World Series, in an effort to make the 3-year-old ballpark more hitter-friendly, a team official confirmed.  —  Citi Field allowed 1.33 homers per game last season …

Ortiz says he wants to stay  —  ST. LOUIS - David Ortiz, who last night was named winner of Major League Baseball's prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, backed off his comments to ESPN earlier this month about potentially playing for the Yankees.  —  “I never said I would sign with the Yankees.

Young remains Rangers' heartbeat ... but could have been a Royal  —  Michael Young epitomizes the Texas Rangers.  Epitomizes.  That's the word manager Ron Washington uses when discussing his seven-time All-Star who has logged significant time at all four infield positions throughout a 12-season career.

Curt Young returns to Athletics  —  Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports reports that Curt Young has returned to Oakand.  Young was the pitching coach in Oakland for seven years before taking a two-year deal with the Red Sox.  —  His one year was not a successful one.

Anatomy of a Baseball Trade  —  As this year's trade deadline approached, the fire sale was on in Houston.  An inside look at how the Astros and the Atlanta Braves got a big deal done  —  Fireballing right-hander Juan Abreu (left); gritty outfielder Jordan Schafer (center); MLB stolen base leader Michael Bourn (right)

PADRES: Reports indicate Hoyer, McLeod are headed to Chicago  —  SAN DIEGO — A team source confirmed on Thursday night the Padres will receive compensation if general manager Jed Hoyer and assistant GM Jason McLeod join the Chicago Cubs as expected.  —  Reports earlier in the day indicated McLeod will follow Hoyer to Chicago.