TRUTH + RUMORS

Braves closer John Smoltz (right) wants to start next year. He can become a free agent after the season and could leave (the Yankees have always liked him) or return to Atlanta on the condition that he start.

--New York Newsday (8/22)

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry says he's not in the market for a closer for the stretch run, even though Jose Mesa and Ugueth Urbina may be available. Hendry also denied that the Cubs were interested in Seattle reliever Shigetoshi Hasegawa.

--Chicago Tribune (8/22)

Bills running back Willis McGahee denies that he asked the team to trade him if he's not named the starter over Travis Henry.

--Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (8/22)

Impending free agent Carl Pavano likes Miami, but if the Yankees offer $8 million a year, Florida will be hard-pressed to keep him.

--Miami Herald (8/22)

To read more, go to SI.com/scorecard.

COLOR PHOTO

GREGORY SMITH/AP (SMOLTZ)