Cardinals like what they’ve seen in Jason Motte

The Cardinals are thrilled with the job Jason Motte has done as their closer. He has been tentatively written in as their 2012 closer....

The Red Sox are hoping that Clay Buchholz,Josh Beckett can bounce back from injury in time to make at least one start before Boston’s playoff plans have to be set. He’s recovering from a stress fracture in his back and looks like a longshot for 2011.

Fear the Tigers. Their 12-game winning streak was their longest since 1984, when they won the World Series under the late Sparky Anderson....

The Braves hope to get reliever Kris Medlen back in time for the playoffs. They aren’t as optimistic about Jair Jurrjens, though. The bone bruise in his right knee has been slow to heal. Tommy Hanson, like Medlen, could factor into an extended postseason run. He’s expected to work in the instructional league in late September and could be considered for the NLCS rotation....

MLB is concerned about the Giants’ stability, with Bill Neukom the second CEO forced out in three years. The investors who put Neukom in Peter Magowan’s place didn’t think Neukom was keeping them informed on key decisions, so Lawrence Baer is now in the hot seat. Baer faces a huge question this winter in whether to re-sign Carlos Beltran, who didn’t pay dividends after being Brian Sabean acquired him from the Mets. Like Neukom, Baer isn’t likely to endorse an A’s move to San Jose....

Jered Weaver’s starting on short rest Sunday may put him in line to face Texas in Game 162.

—Phil Rogers