Boras says he was kidding; knows Yankees won't adjust Cano's contract  —  ST. LOUIS — Scott Boras wants a few things cleared up regarding comments he made to The Post on Wednesday when he talked about Robinson Cano's two option years with the Yankees.  —  Boras, who represents the second baseman …

Lovullo, McEwing not high on Sox's list  —  As the Boston Red Sox's manager search begins in earnest, we do not yet have a clear picture of who is on the team's short list to take Terry Francona's place.  We are starting to learn, however, which candidates are unlikely to be among the finalists.

Notebook: Pujols defends hit-and-run play  —  First baseman Albert Pujols reiterated his belief Wednesday that the abortive hit-and-run he ordered during the seventh inning of Monday's Game 3 was a sound idea and in keeping with the understanding he shares with manager Tony La Russa.

Game 6: Twice Down to Last Strike, Cards Win 10-9  —  David Freese homered in the 11th inning to give the Cardinals a 10-9 victory over Texas in Game 6 of the World Series, capping one of the wildest, most exciting finishes in baseball history.  —  As Freese's shot cleared the center field fence …

Dodgers: Bryan Stow shares blame  —  An attorney representing the Dodgers and owner Frank McCourt filed a civil complaint against the two men charged in the Opening Day beating of San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow in Los Angeles Superior Court last week, arguing that they should be held liable …

Alvaro Aristy Faked Age, Identity For $1 Million Bonus  —  Scandal one of biggest known fraud cases since Esmailyn Gonzalez  —  Alvaro Aristy signed with the Padres three years ago for $1 million.  Neither his name, his age nor his talent has proven to be legitimate.

New player in Yanks RF derby: Beltran  —  Not long ago, it was considered a slam-dunk that the Yankees would pick up Nick Swisher's $10.25 million option for 2012, despite another miserable postseason performance.  —  Now, it's not so clear.  —  The reason?

Draft/Int'l Spending Cap Discussed In CBA Talks  —  A hard slotting system for the amateur draft is no longer the main issue holding up a new collective bargaining agreement, a source tells Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus (Twitter link).  Still being discussed, however …

Byrnes back in his coveted role as GM  —  SAN DIEGO — At no point during Josh Byrnes' indoctrination to baseball operations did he ever question what he was doing; not when faced with the long hours of an intern, not when buried beneath the heap of responsibility, not when the pittance of a paycheck …