Phillies' Jason Werth homers in first 3 at-bats (AP)

Lowe will start Game 1 of playoffs for Dodgers Joe Torre’s announcement hardly came as a surprise: right-hander Derek Lowe will start Game 1 of the NL division series for the … ... more

PHILADELPHIA (UPI) — Brad Lidge earned his 41st save in 41 tries Saturday when the Philadelphia Phillies locked up the NL East title with a 4-3 win over Washington. Source: MLB: Philadelphia 4, Washington 3 ... more

In order for the Seattle Mariners to secure the first pick in the draft here on the last game of the season, the Washington Nationals would have to win and Seattle would have to lose. Well, it’s not looking good.  The Philadelphia Phillies tried to make it easy on the Nationals, electing to rest their ace Cole Hamels in favor of one of the worst starters in baseball this season Kyle Kendrick and keeping Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and company on the bench.  Unfortunately,... more

A.J. Burnett is headed for the open market. The agent for the flame-throwing right-hander informed the Toronto Blue Jays of his client’s intention to opt out of the remaining two years and US$24 million on his contract Tuesday.... more

TORONTO (AP)—The Toronto Blue Jays acquired two of the top four picks in the 2002 draft on Friday, signing converted pitcher Adam Loewen to a minor league contract and claiming right-hander Bryan Bullington off waivers. ... ... more

The Yankees released their Spring Training schedule this afternoon. They will open Grapefruit League play on Wednesday, Feb. 25 (92 days away!) against the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin, Fla. - the earliest start to the Yankees’ Spring Training schedul...... more

The Blue Jays plan to offer Burnett arbitration on Monday, the teams official site reports. With Burnett drawing interest from a number of suitors, it makes sense that Toronto would like a contingency plan in case he signs elsewhere. If Burnett does leave, the Jays would receive two picks in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft. Along with the Blue Jays, the Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, Braves and Phillies have all expressed an interest in Burnett. —- Julio Lugo: Trade Talks Dying. The po... more

Toronto has offered arbitration to A.J.Burnett. The Blue Jays remains hopeful of signing Burnett and seems willing to devote their resources to that. They are not known to be involved with any other prominent FAs. ... more

TORONTO (AP) -- A.J. Burnett, one of the top free-agent pitchers this offseason, was offered salary ...... more

AP - Rick DiPietro didn’t practice with the New York Islanders on Tuesday morning, following his grandmother’s funeral, and coach Ted Nolan said the All-Star goalie wouldn’t play that night against the New York Rangers. ... more

Reuters - Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre has retired after 17 record-breaking seasons, saying the stress of living up to his high standards had become too much. ... more

AP - After flirting with retirement for years, Brett Favre means it this time. The Green Bay Packers quarterback quit after a 17-season career in which he dazzled fans with his grit, heart and rocket of an arm. ... more

AFP - Rafael Nadal had to dig himself out of trouble here Tuesday to avoid going the way of Roger Federer, who was sensationally beaten in the first round of the Dubai Open. ... more