Boss, Jonathan Papelbon’s bulldog, ate the ball used to record the final out of 2007 World Series, according to the Red Sox closer during an interview with the Hattiesburg American. Teammate Jason Varitek had given the ball to the reliever when Rockies pinch-hitter Seth Smith struck out to complete the Fall Classic sweep of Colorado.

The Mariners and right-hander Carlos Silva (13-14, 4.19) finalized a $48 million, four-year contract. The M’s expect the 28 year-old free-agent, formerly with the Twins, to ‘bring a quality arm to the starting rotation’ and to be the workhorse of the pitching staff.