GRID: A&M nearer to SEC

The Southeastern Conference cleared the way for Texas A&M to join its ranks — with a wrinkle. At least one Big 12 school — Baylor — has threatened to sue if the Aggies leave the fold. The announcement that the SEC will make the Aggies the 13th SEC team once the legal issues are resolved is the latest step of a courtship which the Aggies initiated in July.

* Former Jets nose tackle Kris Jenkins has been hired by SportsNet New York as an NFL analyst.

MLB: Jays edge Bosox

Edwin Encarnacion hit a tiebreaking double in the bottom of the eighth and Toronto rallied to deny Tim Wakefield his 200th career win, beating Boston 11-10.

* Justin Verlander (22-5) won his 10th straight start and Victor Martinez hit a grand slam in the Tigers to an 8-6 win in Cleveland.

* Desmond Jennings homered on the first pitch in the bottom of the 10th inning and the Rays beat the Rangers, 5-4. . . . Jerome Williams pitched eight innings of one-hit ball as the Angels beat the Mariners 3-1 to trim Texas’ lead in the AL West to 2½games.

* The Phils were denied their protest for a fan-interference call in a loss to the Marlins on Sunday.

BLOTTER: Hamm charged

Olympic gymnastics champ Paul Hamm was charged with assault and two misdemeanors after police say he hit and kicked an Ohio taxi driver, damaged a cab window and refused to pay a $23 fare.

* Ex-Mets outfielder Lenny Dykstra pleaded not guilty in LA for allegedly exposing himself to women he met on Craigslist.