The Mets and Phillies kept their pitching rotations the same after Saturday’s rainout, meaning that Pedro Martinez will face Jamie Moyer in the 2:15 p.m. opener of a day-night doubleheader at Shea Sunday and …

Phils focusing on one game at a time
Phils focusing on one game at a time Philadelphia heads into Sunday’s contest trailing New York by two games. But manager Charlie Manuel has his team taking one game at a time.

Phillies Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

In a 73-word e-mail to manager Charlie Manuel, Mike Schmidt gave the Phillies a pep talk.

Schmidt, the Hall of Fame third baseman and member of the 500-home run club, reminded the Phillies of their epic comeback to win the NL East last season and said “the Mets know you’re better than they are.”

“Well, that part’s true,” shortstop Jimmy Rollins said.

Until last season, the Phillies and Mets had a rivalry based largely on geography. But Rollins’ comments in January 2007 that the Phillies were the “team to beat” in the NL East fueled two-year war of words between the teams. The Phillies overcame a seven-game deficit with 17 games left to edge the Mets for the division title on the final day of last season, and the teams are vying for the NL East crown once…

Baseball Today (AP)

Mother nature puts rivalry on hold
Mother nature puts rivalry on hold Unsympathetic to the Mets-Phillies rivalry, Tropical Storm Hanna washed away the second game of the three-game series at Shea Stadium.

Myers pitches Phillies past Mets (AP)
Brett Myers and Derek Lowe kicked off two big weekend series in the National League with dominant pitching performances. Myers buzzed through the New York Mets‘ lineup, pitching eight terrific innings and leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a 3-0 victory Friday night that cut their NL East deficit to two games.

Confident Golson getting advice from the best

Greg Golson’s heart may have been beating a little harder, but his feet were firmly on the ground just beyond first base … at least until Saul Rivera delivered to the plate.

Phillies-Mets postponed to Sunday by heavy rains (AP)
The remnants of Tropical Storm Hanna washed away the Philadelphia Phillies-New York Mets game Saturday afternoon and left in her wake one intriguing day-night doubleheader. Want pitching? New York will start three-time Cy Young Award winner Pedro Martinez in the first game Sunday at 2:15 p.m., and Johan Santana, winner of two Cy Youngs, in the 8:05 p.m.

NL Capsules (AP)
Brett Myers buzzed through the New York Mets‘ lineup, pitching eight dominant innings and leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a 3-0 victory Friday night that cut their NL East deficit to two games. Greg Dobbs hit a two-run homer off Mike Pelfrey (13-9), and the Phillies took the opener of a crucial three-game series between the top teams in the division.

Phils blank Mets, shrink gap in East
Phils blank Mets, shrink gap in East Friday was the most important game of the series, the one the Phillies needed to swing some momentum in their favor. Behind another dominating performance by Brett Myers, the Phillies accomplished that goal and pulled within two games of the Mets with a 3-0 win at Shea Stadium.

Two teams battling for the postseason conclude a three-game series this afternoon, when the National League East-leading New York Mets take on the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park.

Kent undergoes knee surgery, could return this season
Dodgers second baseman Jeff Kent had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Tuesday and might be able to return to action this month. The Dodgers said the outpatient procedure took 20 minutes, no additional problems were discovered and Kent will be able to begin the rehabilitation process Wednesday.

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Hearing to determine if Pirates-Alvarez contract valid
The Pittsburgh Pirates could be waiting several weeks to find out if first-round draft pick Pedro Alvarez is part of their organization. Meanwhile, Eric Hosmer, who already was playing in the Kansas City Royals system, could have his future hinging on the same decision.

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Martinez ends HR drought, Indians beat White Sox
Victor Martinez hit his first home run in nearly a year to help the Cleveland Indians beat the Chicago White Sox 9-3 on Tuesday night.

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Werth bats third for first time in ‘08
Werth bats third for first time in ‘08 For the first three months of 2008, Chase Utley claimed exclusive ownership of the No. 3 spot. Lately, however, manager Charlie Manuel has been inclined to shuffle his lineup. On Tuesday, hot-hitting right fielder Jayson Werth got a turn batting third for the first time this season.

Attention to detail keeps baseball’s team officials busy
Every team has its version of Rockies assistant GM Bill Geivett. They’re all crucial extensions of their higher-profile general managers, sharing a multitude of tasks and expertise needed to run a 21st-century Major League Baseball team.

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Santana Puts Streak On Line As Mets Face Brewers

New York Mets ace Johan Santana hasn’t lost since late June and is not planning on doing so any time soon, either.

Howard’s two homers not enough
Howard’s two homers not enough The surging Nationals continued to peck away at the Phillies, overcoming three deficits and two Ryan Howard home runs to put them away, 9-7, on Wednesday night at Nationals Park.

Cole Hamels pitched into the eighth inning, Jimmy Rollins drove in two runs and the Philadelphia Phillies snapped Washington’s seven-game winning streak with a 4-0 victory Tuesday night.

Attention to detail keeps baseball’s team officials busy
Every team has its version of Rockies assistant GM Bill Geivett. They’re all crucial extensions of their higher-profile general managers, sharing a multitude of tasks and expertise needed to run a 21st-century Major League Baseball team.

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Suffering Nationals dream of bright future
The Washington Nationals’ new ballpark is transforming a desolate area less than a mile from the Capitol, but condominiums, restaurants and office buildings are the only things on the rise in the neighborhood.

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Sherpa’s sleepers could be a guide to victory next season
For those in keeper leagues, there’s plenty of time before decisions have to be made, but the process of assembling the best possible roster doesn’t need to wait until pitchers and catchers report next spring.

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Is Sabathia the best midseason acquisition ever?
CC Sabathia, Milwaukee’s 6-7, 290-pound left-handed starter, says he’s the same guy he’s always been. Sabathia may be the same guy, but the Brewers are not in the same place since he arrived in a trade with the Cleveland Indians on July 7.

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Lee becomes Indians’ first 20-game winner in 34 years
Once inside the clubhouse, Cliff Lee’s teammates popped open champagne and toasted his latest win, his biggest win.

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Slumping Burrell might get some rest

Pat Burrell may be due for a day off. While each of the other top six hitters in the lineup contributed in the Phillies‘ 5-2 win against the Cubs Sunday, Burrell was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts before …

Werth bats third for first time in ‘08
Werth bats third for first time in ‘08 For the first three months of 2008, Chase Utley claimed exclusive ownership of the No. 3 spot. Lately, however, manager Charlie Manuel has been inclined to shuffle his lineup. On Tuesday, hot-hitting right fielder Jayson Werth got a turn batting third for the first time this season.

Is Sabathia the best midseason acquisition ever?
CC Sabathia, Milwaukee’s 6-7, 290-pound left-handed starter, says he’s the same guy he’s always been. Sabathia may be the same guy, but the Brewers are not in the same place since he arrived in a trade with the Cleveland Indians on July 7.

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McDonald’s clutch hit in extras lifts Jays over Twins
John McDonald singled home the go-ahead run in the 11th inning and the Toronto Blue Jays beat Minnesota 5-4 on Wednesday night, posting their eighth straight victory over the Twins.

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Zambrano departs early as Astros nip Cubs in extras
Carlos Zambrano left his start with arm problems after five innings Tuesday, and the Chicago Cubs matched their longest losing streak of the year with a 9-7, 11-inning loss to the Houston Astros.

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Beckett set to return in Texas on Friday
Red Sox ace Josh Beckett is set to rejoin Boston’s rotation on Friday night in Texas.

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Rollins coming around at right time
Rollins coming around at right time Anyone who has seen Jimmy Rollins play in Septembers of years past probably isn’t surprised by the shorstop’s two-hit, two-RBI performance against the Nationals on Tuesday night.

Sherpa’s sleepers could be a guide to victory next season
For those in keeper leagues, there’s plenty of time before decisions have to be made, but the process of assembling the best possible roster doesn’t need to wait until pitchers and catchers report next spring.

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Phillies undecided on Sunday starter
Phillies undecided on Sunday starter The selection of ace lefty Cole Hamels as Sunday’s starter seems obvious. The Phillies are playing the National League East-leading Mets on ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball.” But as of Tuesday, who will start Sunday is up in the air.

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Rollins aims to improve youth literacy
Rollins aims to improve youth literacy Jimmy Rollins works year-round toward improving reading skills among Philadelphia’s youth. For this and many other endeavors, the shortstop is the worthy Phillies nominee for the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award, presented by Chevrolet.

Beckett set to return in Texas on Friday
Red Sox ace Josh Beckett is set to rejoin Boston’s rotation on Friday night in Texas.

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Power Rankings: Lincecum moves ahead of Webb
The distinction as the National League’s top pitcher is no longer a runaway. After a pair of subpar outings, Arizona’s Brandon Webb has fallen behind Tim Lincecum of San Francisco in the latest USA TODAY Sports Weekly Power Rankings.

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Sherpa’s sleepers could be a guide to victory next season
For those in keeper leagues, there’s plenty of time before decisions have to be made, but the process of assembling the best possible roster doesn’t need to wait until pitchers and catchers report next spring.

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Hamels will face Mets on Sunday
Hamels will face Mets on Sunday The Cole Hamels watch ended quickly Wednesday, when Phillies manager Charlie Manuel announced that his ace will pitch Sunday night against Mets ace Johan Santana at Shea Stadium.

Phillies Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

By allowing five hits and throwing 104 pitches in a 4-0 victory over the last-place Nationals, Cole Hamels gave the Phillies exactly what they wanted, even expected. But they likely will ask their ace to do more, like start on his normal rest Sunday night in a first-place showdown against Johan Santana and the Mets at Shea Stadium.

“I want Hamels on the Mets, and the reason is because that’s a two-game swing,” manager Charlie Manuel said. “This time of year, we’ve got to win some of those games in New York.”

It isn’t that simple, though. If Hamels pitches Sunday night, he will be making his third straight start with the requisite four days of rest between starts. But Hamels, who has a checkered injury history, often prefers having an extra day.

Mussina gets 17th win, Chamberlain returns for Yanks
Mike Mussina earned his 17th win, and the New York Yankees got home runs from Alex Rodriguez and Xavier Nady in a 7-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night.

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Red Sox overcome 4-run deficit to beat Orioles in ninth
AL batting leader Dustin Pedroia homered in the seventh inning to begin Boston’s comeback from a four-run deficit, and the Red Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-4 Wednesday when pitcher Jim Miller’s threw away a bunt for a game-ending error.

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Werth bats third for first time in ‘08
Werth bats third for first time in ‘08 For the first three months of 2008, Chase Utley claimed exclusive ownership of the No. 3 spot. Lately, however, manager Charlie Manuel has been inclined to shuffle his lineup. On Tuesday, hot-hitting right fielder Jayson Werth got a turn batting third for the first time this season.

Cole Hamels pitched into the eighth inning, Jimmy Rollins drove in two runs and the Philadelphia Phillies snapped Washington’s seven-game winning streak with a 4-0 victory Tuesday night.

Phils aim to keep cool down stretch
Phils aim to stay cool down stretch With the rush to the playoffs in the final month, the Phillies have some nail-biting baseball left to play, but manager Charlie Manuel isn’t worried. As long as his team stays focused and relaxed, he’s confident the Phils will make the cut.

Phils realize importance of Mets series
Phils realize importance of Mets series Friday is coming soon, and with it comes Philadelphia’s most crucial series. The Phillies enter Flushing, N.Y., for their final three regular-season games at Shea Stadium needing a sweep to tie the Mets atop the National League East.

Playoff hopeful Mets, Brewers wrap set at Miller Park

Two teams battling for the postseason conclude a three-game series this afternoon, when the National League East-leading New York Mets take on the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park.

Werth bats third for first time in ‘08
Werth bats third for first time in ‘08 For the first three months of 2008, Chase Utley claimed exclusive ownership of the No. 3 spot. Lately, however, manager Charlie Manuel has been inclined to shuffle his lineup. On Tuesday, hot-hitting right fielder Jayson Werth got a turn batting third for the first time this season.

Rollins aims to improve youth literacy
Rollins aims to improve youth literacy Jimmy Rollins works year-round toward improving reading skills among Philadelphia’s youth. For this and many other endeavors, the shortstop is the worthy Phillies nominee for the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award, presented by Chevrolet.

Howard’s two homers not enough
Howard’s two homers not enough The surging Nationals continued to peck away at the Phillies, overcoming three deficits and two Ryan Howard home runs to put them away, 9-7, on Wednesday night at Nationals Park.

Rollins coming around at right time
Rollins coming around at right time Anyone who has seen Jimmy Rollins play in Septembers of years past probably isn’t surprised by the shorstop’s two-hit, two-RBI performance against the Nationals on Tuesday night.

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Delgado fuels Mets comeback after Sheets exits early
The shadows in late afternoon at Miller Park can be brutal to hitters, but Carlos Delgado made good contact anyway.

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Behind Hamels’ gem, Phils blank Nats
Behind Hamels’ gem, Phils blank Nats Phils ace Cole Hamels squashed the surging Nationals on five hits through 7 1/3 seemingly easy innings in a 4-0 victory at Nationals Park, suggesting that he’s more than ready to deal with the National League East-leading Mets on Sunday night.

Attention to detail keeps baseball’s team officials busy
Every team has its version of Rockies assistant GM Bill Geivett. They’re all crucial extensions of their higher-profile general managers, sharing a multitude of tasks and expertise needed to run a 21st-century Major League Baseball team.

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/382374528″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

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Sherpa’s sleepers could be a guide to victory next season
For those in keeper leagues, there’s plenty of time before decisions have to be made, but the process of assembling the best possible roster doesn’t need to wait until pitchers and catchers report next spring.

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/382503301″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

It appears that Pedro Martinez is not a lock to make Saturday’s start against the Phillies at Shea Stadium.

Redding, Nationals stifle Phillies

Ryan Zimmerman hit a two-run home run and the host Washington Nationals won their seventh straight game, 7-4 over the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday.

Marlins recall minor-league HR leader McPherson
Baseball’s home run leader joined the Florida Marlins on Tuesday. Dallas McPherson, who hit 42 home runs for Albuquerque, was recalled from the Triple-A team. Playing primarily at third base but also seeing some time at first, McPherson hit .275 with 98 RBI.

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Slumping Burrell might get some rest

Pat Burrell may be due for a day off. While each of the other top six hitters in the lineup contributed in the Phillies‘ 5-2 win against the Cubs Sunday, Burrell was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts before …