1.   According to some baseball officials, as many as one-third of the players on teams are devout Christians.

2.   Already, baseball officials have said the Dodgers want to bring former Cy Young winner Orel Hershiser back to the organization.

3.   Although he did not say if the Mets were one of the teams that approached him, a baseball official said they were.

4.   Another baseball official agreed with Beeston.

5.   As of Monday evening, the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals are the top two options, baseball officials said.

6.   As the National Basketball Association enters its do-or-die week, baseball officials know the feeling.

7.   At least two high-ranking baseball officials said they have heard that the Mets are talking with the Cleveland Indians and St. Louis Cardinals.

8.   Baldwin is a free agent, but several baseball officials said they expected Baldwin to re-sign with the Dodgers.

9.   Baseball officials acknowledge that the playoff system is flawed and say they will address the problem for the future.

10.   Baseball officials also said right-handers Kevin Tapani and Rick Aguilera could be had.