The Final 9

There have only been 13 triple crowns in baseball. Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols made a run at the rare feat this season, leading the majors with 47 homers. He was also third in the National League in batting average and RBIs.

All-time hits leader Pete Rose was banned for life from baseball twenty years ago after a major league investigation that included allegations of betting on baseball. AP Baseball Writer Ben Walker said Rose will eventually be reinstated.

AP Baseball Writer Ben Walker said Toronto might not trade ace pitcher Roy Halladay. Other players who could be dealt include Houston's Carlos Lee, and Cleveland's Victor Martinez.

American League manager Joe Maddon, All-Star Game MVP Carl Crawford and National League manager Charlie Manuel talk about the game, won by the American League, 4-3.

All-Star Game rosters were announced Sunday. Cardinals' slugger Albert Pujols received the most votes. The game takes place at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Tuesday July 14th.

Darryl Strawberry shrugged off former Cardinal Jack Clark's comments critical of Mets teams in the middle to late 1980s. The former Met called Clark a friend.

Ken Griffey Jr. played his first 11 seasons with Seattle. He's the active leader in homers. Griffey is back with the Mariners this year, and is a mentor to Seattle's young players.

Yankees closer batted against the Mets Sunday night. It was just his third career plate appearance. He walked with the bases loaded against Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez.

The Phillies took the best road record in the majors into New York Wednesday for their game with the Mets. The Phils were 21-9 away from home prior to the game.

Less than 30 pitchers have recorded 300 wins. AP Baseball Writer Mike Fitzpatrick said it's a difficult milestone to reach for several reasons.

Players from the Phillies and Mets react to the 50-game suspension handed down to Manny Ramirez. The All-Star outfielder was suspended for using a banned drug.

The new Yankee Stadium cost $1.5 billion, making it the most expensive sports facility ever built in the United States. The Yankees play their first game in their new home Thursday.

The Mets begin play this year in their brand new, $800 million ballpark, Citi Field. The team's new home has many amenities for both fans and players. The new ballpark replaces the Mets former home, Shea Stadium, which opened in 1964.

AP Baseball Writer Ben Walker, and Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, discuss the pros and cons of releasing the names of the other 103 baseball players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003.

After 18 major-league seasons, Mike Mussina announced his retirement Thursday. A 270-game winner with the Yankees and Orioles, the 40-year old right hander ranks 32nd on baseball's career win list.

The LA Dodgers are on to the next round of baseball's playoffs, after beating the Cubs 3-1 to sweep the series. Milwaukee kept its' hopes alive, defeating Philadelphia 4-1. But the Brewers still trail two games to one.

J.D. Drew belted a two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning, leading Boston to a 7-5 win over the Angels. The Red Sox lead the best of five series two games to none. The Rays beat the White Sox for a 2-0 in their playoff series.

The Milwaukee Brewers won the NL Wild Card Sunday when they won and the Mets lost; Dodgers, Cubs and Phillies are in the playoffs, as are the Red Sox, Angels and Rays in the AL, where the Central Division champ has yet to be decided.

With one day left in the Major League Baseball season, two playoff spots are still up for grabs. But the Phillies booked their ticket to thepostseason, clinching the NL East.