Why are the White Sox unwilling to trade Triple-A third baseman Josh Fields, even though his path to the majors is blocked by Joe Crede? Apparently because Crede is two years away from free agency, and the Sox want to see if they can sign him to a long-term extension. If they can, Fields will be moved this winter. If they can't, Crede will be traded and Fields will take his place.

-- THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

Medical opinions could help determine the American League playoff field this season. Trying to win the West, the Rangers obtained right-hander Kip Wells from Pittsburgh. The Rangers apparently were satisfied that Wells is at full health after undergoing vein-graft surgery in March to repair a blocked artery in the right arm. At least one other club was not so sure. According to major-league officials, Boston investigated the possibility of trading for Wells, but backed off on the advice of its medical staff.

-- THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

The defending world champion White Sox are in danger of not making the playoffs, but general manager Kenny Williams insists he isn't upset he was unable to swing a big deal before the deadline. "I firmly believe that if we play to our capabilities, it doesn't matter what Detroit or Minnesota (did). It's about us playing to our level, more than anything," he said.

-- THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

Right-hander Kerry Wood will be looking for a job this winter. After consulting with the team orthopedists of the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets and Los Angeles Angels, Wood decided to try a long period of rest to heal his torn rotator cuff rather than surgery. Wood also solicited advice from Mets right-hander Pedro Martinez, who followed a similar course in 2001. Wood's program makes it certain the Cubs will not pick up his option, at $13 million, for next season. Wood told reporters that he would like to return to the Cubs, the only team he has ever known. The Cubs would bring back Wood only under a deal heavily laden with incentives. "I don't know if 'owes' is the word," Cubs manager Dusty Baker said when asked by reporters if the club owed Wood another chance. "That's up to both sides to talk about."

-- THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

Second baseman Todd Walker became the latest to complain about the number of day games at Wrigley Field after being traded from the Cubs to the Padres this week. "It's difficult," he said. "I'm not saying you can't [win there], but it definitely puts a different spin on things. Most teams play night games. I don't know if [more night games] would help or not, I just know it's difficult to get up every morning and play at the level you're supposed to play."

-- THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER