Indians fire Eric Wedge

On the day that Browns coach Eric Mangini named Derek Anderson starting quarterback, the Cleveland Indians announced that manager Eric Wedge will soon be (just) Eric Wedge.

However, Wedge will manage the remaining games this season.

"I still wanted to finish what we started this year," said Wedge. "I felt it was the right thing to do. It's been a long run here as managers go. It will be a tough day."

Only four managers -- Bobby Cox (Braves), Tony La Russa (Cardinals), Mike Scioscia (Angels) and Ron Gardenhire (Twins) -- have managed their club as long as Wedge has managed the Tribe.

"It's been a long run, as managers go,'' Wedge said. "I have a great deal of respect for the Dolans, Mark Shapiro, the city of Cleveland and Tribe fans all over the place. I'm a big believer in being accountable for what you do. I take responsibility for this.''

The Indians are 64-92 on the season and 5-20 in their past 25 games.

In his seven seasons, Wedge will finish with a winning percentage just shy of .500. His best season was in 2007 when the Indians won 96 games and lost to the Red Sox in the ALCS.

Cubs suspend Milton Bradley for rest of year

The Chicago Cubs have suspended Milton Bradley for conduct detrimental to the team (or, as I call it: the Terrell Owens rule).

Bradley said, "you understand why they haven't won in 100 years here." Those comments were made after he was scratched from Saturday's lineup. Now he is scratched from the rest of the season.

"Recently, it's become intolerable to hear Milton talk about our great fans the way he has," general manger Jim Hendry said. "We pride ourselves on having the greatest fans in baseball, so at this time we felt it was best to send him home for the rest of the season."

Bradley, who has two years remaining on his three-year contract, was only hitting .257 with 12 home runs and 40 RBI.

Now the question is: Did Bradley play his last game for the Cubs this year or forever?

Mariano Rivera could return Sunday

The New York Yankees could have their closer back as soon as today, according to Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News.

Mariano Rivera, who hasn't pitched since September 1st, felt fine after a 16-pitch bullpen session.

"I wasn't expecting to feel anything," Rivera said. "That's how minor it was. We just had to make sure that it's ready. I wasn't looking for something or expecting something."

Since Rivera's last appearance, Phil Hughes has closed out two of two save opportunities. In the process, Hughes struck out six of the eight batters he faced while not allowing a hit.

"We've gone away from that the last three or four weeks because we didn't want to wear him down," Girardi said. "I'm going to ask him every day how his groin is. We've been careful how we've used him all year."

With the effectiveness of Hughes, who hasn't allowed an earned run since August 4th, Girardi has the flexibility to not overuse Rivera, who has converted 38 of 39 save opportunities.

The Hot Corner, 9/5 edition

The Braves have moved Kenshin Kawakami, who's 7-10 with an ERA of 3.97, to the bullpen.

The Tigers have called up utility man Dan Kelly from Toledo, per Steve Kornacki of the MLive.com.

White Sox pitcher Gavin Floyd retired the first 17 Red Sox hitters he faced Saturday.

And Gordon Beckham left today's game due to a stiff back.

Phil Hughes got his third save of the year for the Yankees today.

The D'Backs have activated Eric Byrnes from the disabled list today.

Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee hit two homers in their 5-3 win over the Mets today.

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