Rays finish off White Sox, head to ALCS (AP) They rushed toward the mound, these remarkable Rays, and immediately formed a circle. Jumping together like fraternity brothers, they resembled party regulars in the postseason. Worst in the majors last year, Tampa Bay will play for a spot in the World Series. "It means everything. We've been at the bottom of the barrel for so long," B.J. Lowell off Red Sox's postseason roster (AP) Third baseman Mike Lowell was remove from Boston's first-round postseason roster on Monday because of a right hip strain. He would be ineligible to play in the AL championship series if the Red Sox advance past their first-round opponent, the Los Angeles Angels. Last year's World Series MVP, who also has a torn labrum in his right hip, was replaced on the active roster by infielder Gil Velazquez,... Brewers 2B Weeks has knee surgery (AP) Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks had surgery Monday to repair a cartilage tear in his left knee and is expected to be ready for spring training. Weeks had part of the damaged meniscus removed by team physician Dr. William Raasch. Weeks will begin rehabilitation at home this week. A first-round draft pick by Milwaukee in 2003, Weeks hit .234 with 14 homers and 46 RBIs in 129 games in his fifth... Schilling may come back for half season (AP) ^ Curt Schilling is considering coming back next year -- for half the season. The Boston Red Sox right-hander, who underwent season-ending shoulder surgery on June 23, said in an interview with Sporting News that he might try to pitch in 2009 under the right circumstances. "I won't come back for a full season, that much I know. Phillies, Dodgers are familiar NLCS foes (AP) Back in the era of cookie-cutter stadiums, polyester pullovers and artificial turf, baseball had another familiar sight: Phillies vs. Dodgers for the NL pennant. "It seemed like every time we turned around, there were the Phillies," former Los Angeles center fielder Rick Monday recalled. They played in the 1977 NL championship series and the next year, too. Future role iffy for Red Sox's Masterson (AP) Justin Masterson could be a valuable member of Boston's starting rotation in the future. He could be a strong option in the Red Sox bullpen. For Boston manager Terry Francona, it's a nice dilemma to have. "I think we see him as a good pitcher," Francona said before the Red Sox hosted the Los Angeles Angels in Game 4 of their AL division series Monday night. White Sox unable to avoid elimination (AP) This time, the Chicago White Sox couldn't avoid the knockout. They won four straight elimination games only to bow out with a 6-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 4 of their division series on Monday night. Just like that, what looked like a promising October for the city ended with a whimper. No parades. Astros' Backe arrested in wedding melee (AP) Astros pitcher Brandon Backe was among 10 people arrested during a brawl with police at a weekend wedding reception in a Galveston hotel bar. The bride's father, 19-year-old brother and a FEMA coordinator were also arrested Sunday at the hotel, a command center for emergency workers after Hurricane Ike went through Galveston Island on Sept. Much-maligned Manuel kept Phils focused (AP) Charlie Manuel looked on from the dugout while his players celebrated a division championship, and sat in his office after they took the party back on the field. Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, even the placid Chase Utley took turns addressing fans who stayed around in the rain to watch the Philadelphia Phillies spray champagne and beer after clinching their second straight NL East title. BoSox's Beckett has worst playoff start (AP) Josh Beckett waited four extra days for a chance to show his postseason brilliance. That shine wore off with his very first pitch. The Red Sox right-hander had the worst outing of his 10 postseason starts as Boston lost 5-4 to the Los Angeles Angels in 12 innings on Sunday night. He gave up a double to Chone Figgins on his first pitch and needed 30 pitches and 22 minutes to record three outs. add RSS feeds to any website