by FOXSports.com

Erik Bedard is in the final year of his contract, and the Mariners have discussed a new contract with his agent, but only casually. If healthy, Bedard could be a trade chip next month before the deadline. If he's not healthy, teams are unlikely to offer much, if anything. -- Tacoma News-Tribune .....Ben's Take: Depending on the Indians decision with Cliff Lee, Bedard could end up being the best of a sorry bunch of pitchers on the trade market.

Arizona hasn't ruled out trading Dan Haren

Though a trade seems unlikely, the Diamondbacks do not appear to have ruled out the idea of moving Dan Haren. It likely would take a package similar to the one they gave up two years ago to pry him away. Haren is signed through 2012 with a club option for 2013. -- Arizona Republic .....Ben's Take: D-Backs youth movement has hit a wall. Those great prospects have turned out to be suspects.

Padres Brian Giles to be traded or released?

That's why the Padres hope Brian Giles ---- who is hitting .191 with two homers and 23 RBIs ---- can heat up before the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline so they can perhaps dump some of his $9 million salary on a contending team. Another option would be releasing him. In an interview last week on 1090 AM, Kevin Towers said, referring to the 38-year-old Giles, "The cord could be cut." Neither possibility would surprise Giles. -- North County Times .....Ben's Take: You don't trade guys hitting under the Mendoza line, you release them... How happy are the Red Sox that Giles turned down a shot at Fenway?

Red Sox could soon trade Julio Lugo?

Give Julio Lugo some credit: He has yet to get all Jay Payton on the Red Sox and demand a trade. Though certainly not happy to be demoted from everyday shortstop to spare part - sometimes you can see the hurt in his face as he's walking around the field during batting practice - there have been no public displays of anger. In that spirit, then, it's best that the Sox act sooner rather than later when it comes to deciding what to do with Lugo. He fills a need for now - he can hit - but a time will come when Jed Lowrie, the young shortstop rehabilitating from wrist surgery, is ready to return. The day will come, and soon, when Julio Lugo is sent on his way, and, well, good for him. All in all, he has handled this well. Sox fans should wish him well and hope he can rebuild his career at the next stop. -- Boston Herald .....Ben's Take: Lugo is a thief with a baseball glove instead of a gun. Theo Epstein should be forced to wear that gorilla suit again for giving Lugo that mega deal.

Nats dealing Nick Johnson, Adam Dunn?

It's pretty clear that Ryan Zimmerman may be the only untouchable Nat between now and the non-waiver trade deadline at the end of the month. First baseman Nick Johnson (one of Bowden's rare shrewd acquisitions) is almost sure to be moved--perhaps to Boston, maybe to the New York Mets. Adam Dunn, Bowden's final major free-agent signee, also can be had for the right price. -- Free Lance-Star .....Ben's Take: The fire sale is just getting started in DC.

A's dealing Orlando Cabrera, Adam Kennedy?

A name that I haven't heard much trade talk about, but one I'm expecting to be brought up more frequently as the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline approaches, is Orlando Cabrera. He's not having a great year, but you have to figure his experience and the fact that he's been through the pressure of a pennant race and the playoffs will make him attractive to legitimate contenders. Dumping him would save the A's some cash, and I've noticed that Bobby Crosby has been taking more ground balls at shortstop lately. Adam Kennedy's experience, versatility and somewhat surprising success this season should make him the subject of a few phone calls, too. -- OaklandAthletics.com .....Ben's Take: Considering Cabrera couldn't find a job till spring training, its a safe bet to say he's got little to no trade market.

Cubs GM rips Chicago media for ethical violation of Lou Piniella

Cubs manager Lou Piniella has maintained a good relationship with the Chicago media, though it has been strained by recent events. The Chicago Sun-Times recently published an off-hand remark Piniella made to a coach about Milton Bradley while venting in his office in San Diego in May, after one of its reporters overhead the remark in the adjoining clubhouse. General manager Jim Hendry was livid about what he considers an ethical violation. "It's just human nature to vent to your coaches, and I think our players realize that, and accept that," Hendry said. "Lou and I ... nobody likes to exchange pleasantries with us after you lose a game. People who question whether he has the fire one day, all they have to do is see how he is after a game." Hendry said whatever Piniella says in his office should be off-limits, unless the reporter has been invited in. -- Chicago Tribune .....Ben's Take: Hendry wishes all the reporters covering the Cubs worked for MLB.com. Nothing truly negative would ever get out of that clubhouse.

Does Bob Melvin move mean Bud Black is in trouble?

Bob Melvin, who managed Arizona when Padres CEO Jeff Moorad ran the Diamondbacks, will soon join the Padres to help evaluate the minor league system. And Padres General Manager Kevin Towers says nothing extra should be read into that. "He's an extra set of eyes who is very good at evaluating talent," said Towers. "Seeking out Bob was actually something I've been directly involved with, Jeff has spent very little time on this." ... There is speculation Moorad could be bringing in his friend to eventually replace current Padres manager Bud Black, whose contract expires after this season. "There is absolutely no truth to that," Towers said. -- San Diego Union-Tribune .....Ben's Take: Bob Melvin stinks as a manager, I don't care if he was NL Manager of the year or not.

Astros GM won't ask Tejada to switch positions because of free agency?

Astros GM Ed Wade said he wasn't inclined to ask SS Miguel Tejada to move to third base in a year in which he's about to be a free agent, but acknowledged the player would do it if asked. He said he's not close to making a change at third, but if he does Chris Johnson likely would be the guy. -- Houston Chronicle .....Ben's Take: Its nice of Wade to be more worried about Tejada's next contract than helping the Astros win games in 2009. Wonder how ownership feels about his comments

Rockies dealing Garrett Atkins, Ryan Spilborghs?

As it stands, the Rockies are more likely to be buyers, searching hard for a bullpen arm. LaTroy Hawkins would be a great fit, but isn't available yet. Colorado could use Garrett Atkins and Ryan Spilborghs as bait to land an arm. But again, with the team playing so well, there's no rush to change the chemistry. -- Denver Post .....Ben's Take:Atkins will bounce back in a new city. Could Anaheim be the town of choice?

Tim Hudson eyes return to Braves

Tim Hudson will throw a 90-pitch bullpen session today and then get ready for the next step in his comeback from elbow-reconstruction surgery: facing hitters. He'll pitch batting practice the first two days the Braves are in Chicago to play the Cubs on Monday and Tuesday. If all continues to progress well, he'll make his first rehabilitation start July 19 at Class A Myrtle Beach with an eye toward returning to the Braves in mid-to-late August. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Cubs' Milton Bradley to Tigers?

Tigers OF Magglio Ordonez's contract stipulates his final two option years in 2010 and 2011 kick in with a certain amount of games or plate appearances in '09, or a combination in '09 and '10. That's why his recent benching by manager Jim Leyland was so controversial. The Cubs can't cut Bradley for "character" issues, and unless you call his untimely photo-op in right for the bleacherites or his dugout explosions "character issues," he really hasn't done anything wrong. Here's a suggestion: Ordonez for Bradley, straight up. Both are underachieving players with big contracts and strong track records, at least hitting-wise. Maybe a change of scenery for both would help. -- Chicago Tribune

Work begins at site of new Florida Marlins stadium

The final piece of the Florida Marlins' 15-year quest for a permanent South Florida home came down to $6.2 million, last-minute political confusion and, finally, a 1 a.m. vote at County Hall. By Wednesday morning, only hours after the final approval came, workers assembled on the site of the former Orange Bowl to begin clearing land for the new baseball stadium. And late Wednesday afternoon, Miami-Dade Finance Director Carter Hammer was in New York signing off on a bond sale of $300 million to pay for much of construction of the new ballpark in Little Havana. -- Miami Herald .....Ben's Take: Only in America can a team with no fans get a new ballpark. It's like those roads being built in Alaska in places nobody lives. What's the point!

Ian Snell battling depression, feared he would hurt himself while struggling with Pirates

Ian Snell told WTHR-13 he has been battling depression and considered drastic measures about a month ago due to the growing negativity surrounding his struggles in Pittsburgh. He was 2-8 with a 5.36 ERA in 15 starts with the Pirates this year. "Sometimes people do stupid stuff and I had to fight it, not to do something stupid and take my life for myself and from my family and my parents," Snell told the station. The demons, Snell called them, can be common in the high-pressure, big business world of professional sports. But they have earned more publicity recently in baseball. -- Indy Star .....Ben's Take: All of a sudden half the players in baseball have anxiety problems.

Jake Peavy could miss rest of Padres season

Padres GM Kevin Towers said there's a chance that ace Jake Peavy won't pitch again this season. But that depends on how Peavy's strained right ankle tendon feels when it's next examined by team doctors in 10-to-14 days. If Peavy's return were further delayed, Towers said, he would need more time to return to pitching shape, leaving him almost back at square one. Of course, Towers added, Peavy could be fine in two weeks and start a rehab assignment, meaning he might return in as little as five weeks. "I guess there's always a chance," Towers said. "He comes back and he's still in pain. Our hope is that's not the case. The last thing you want to do is start throwing and the ankle bothers you and you do something to your arm. We' ll know more probably in a month." -- North County Times

Brewers GM can't find dance partner to make deal

It is no secret Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin is exploring his options to add a player via trade before the July 31 deadline. There just aren't many options. Based on what the Brewers are looking for (probably established pitching) and what potential sellers would want in return (probably younger pitching), Melvin said there are fewer than 10 teams that could potentially "match up" with the Brewers. That is what happened when Melvin inquired about Mark DeRosa, then with the Cleveland Indians. Melvin was told by Indians GM Mark Shapiro the Brewers didn't have what his club was looking for and shipped DeRosa to St. Louis. Translation: It could be difficult to make any kind of significant move, even if the Brewers' desire is a position player. "I don't know," Melvin said. "Things can change overnight. You prefer not to give up players on your current club." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Rockies failed trading Torrealba

After being unable to work out a trade, the Rockies reinstated Yorvit Torrealba from the restricted list after Wednesday's game, designating backup catcher Paul Phillips for assignment. Torrealba expected to be traded when he left the clubhouse, but had hoped to stay. "I told them that I want to be here," Torrealba said. "I love my teammates." Torrealba's situation had many layers. He hasn't played since June 1 after leaving the team following the abduction and safe return of his son Yorvit in Venezuela. An agreement was worked out with Major League Baseball allowing Torrealba to have a five-game assignment in the minor leagues to get back in shape. The Rockies were sensitive to his situation, so designating him for assignment was never an option. A trade was complicated by the remaining $2 million on Torrealba's contract. -- Denver Post

Astros Cecil Cooper on hot seat

Astros manager Cecil Cooper is a 1/1 favorite to be the first coach/manager of a pro Texas team to be fired. Analysts at BetUs.com, an online sports wagering entertainment Web site, reported-- Houston Chronicle

Nationals can't demote Austin Kearns

Other Nationals who seemed to be in line for a possible demotion -- such as Austin Kearns and Jesus Colome -- are out of options, meaning Washington could not send either player to the minor leagues without at first allowing other teams the chance to claim him. -- Washington Post

Twins release Ayala

The Twins have released reliever Luis Ayala after failing to work out a deal. There was legitimate interest from Pittsburgh, and there are indications that Eric Hinske's name came up in the discussions. But once Hinskie was dealt to the Yankees, trade talks with the Pirates were dead. -- Star Tribune

Wilson apologizes for ripping Pirates front office

Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson did an about-face yesterday -- and he insists no one urged him to do it. Rather, he dug down deep within himself and knew an apology was what he should deliver. Tuesday, in the wake of the latest round of trades made by the organization, Wilson was critical and, among other harsh things about management, he said he was "beyond, beyond tired" of such moves. Yesterday, though, Wilson said that after a restless night he decided to issue the apology himself; not at the urging of his agent or anyone within the Pirates' organization. -- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette .....Ben's Take: Always believe the initial comment. Wilson was right with what he said: The Pirates are joke, the front office should apologize

Brandon Webb goes against D-Backs' doctors' surgery advice

Complicating matters was the fact that Diamondbacks team physician Dr. Michael Lee recommended that Brandon Webb undergo surgery to repair his labrum. But Lee and the club urged Webb to seek multiple opinions before choosing how to proceed. "We never arrived at that decision and we still haven't," Byrnes said. "At this point, I think it's beneficial he was able to get so many opinions and we were able to put our heads together and decide this was the best course of action." -- Arizona Republic

Xavier Nady time with Yankees over?

OF Xavier Nady will have reconstructive elbow surgery for the second time in his career on Wednesday. The procedure was expected, but it is still a blow for Nady, who injured the elbow in mid-April. "You feel bad for a guy that really tried to be a team guy," Joe Girardi said. "He'll be back and he'll be a good player again." Maybe so, but Nady, 30, is a free agent after the season and his Yankees tenure is most likely over. -- NY Times

ChiSox Carlos Quentin on track for post-All-Star return

Carlos Quentin, who led the White Sox with 36 home runs in only 100 games last season, will be placed on a deliberate program designed to ensure he will be able to withstand the rigors of playing the outfield and running the bases once he returns, which is expected after the All-Star break. -- Chicago Tribune

Pirates believed to make offer for Sano

The Pirates are believed to have made their first formal offer for elite Dominican prospect Miguel Angel Sano, but the Baltimore Orioles, Minnesota Twins and perhaps more teams also are in the mix. Terms of the Pirates' offer were not known. Today marks the opening of Major League Baseball's international signing period, though teams and players were free to reach informal agreements beforehand. Sano, a 16-year-old third baseman described by some Latin American scouts as the top player available, is not believed to be close on either count. -- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Raul Ibanez not rushing to rejoin Phillies

The Phillies are 3-9 since Raul Ibanez was sidelined, but he said that can't be taken into consideration when trying to determine how quickly he should come back. "I think we're approaching it with a big-picture mentality," he said. "The big club is going to be fine. They're a great team. Everything's going to work out fine. Nobody's trying to push me or urge me into doing anything excessive. "The tendency as a player is to rush out there and get out there and do it right away to help your team. But I have to approach this with a team mindset and not what I personally want. I personally want to get back on the field and play baseball." Ibanez stressed that he has not suffered a setback. "No, no, no. You go from where I was 10 to 12 days ago to where I am today, and you see significant improvement," he said. -- Philadelphia Daily News

Burton not happy with Reds demotion

Reds pitcher Jared Burton was optioned to Class AAA Louisville before the game and was not pleased. When approached, he said quietly, "I have nothing to say. I'm not trying to be rude. I'm just not happy right now. Go ask Dusty about it, if you want." Said Baker, "I told him I didn't want him to be happy. I don't expect him to be happy. If he is mad at me, Dick (pitching coach Dick Pole) or Walt (general manager Walt Jocketty), pitch like it. If he's happy about it, he doesn't belong here. And he belongs here. He'll be back. This is a temporary booster shot. -- Dayton Daily News

Who Knew?

Ken Griffey and Alex Rodriguez had homers in the Yankees win against the Mariners in the Bronx. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, it was the first time two players with at least 550 home runs had connected in the same game since Hank Aaron and Willie Mays did so on May 8, 1971. -- NY Times

Indians will dive into international free-agent market

Teams can start signing international free agents to day, but more so than in most baseball transactions, it's a business where the buyer must beware. Last year, the Indians spent $575,000 on a 17-year-old shortstop from the Dominican Republic named Jose Ozoria. Less than a week ago, they were informed by Major League Baseball that Ozoria wasn't who he said he was. Ozoria is really named Wally Bryan. He's 20, not 17. As far as MLB and the Indians know, he is from the Dominican Republic. MLB has conducted an investigation of over 70 players in the Dominican Republic," said John Mirabelli, Indians director of scouting operations, "and found that Mr. Ozoria and his [agent] intentionally falsified documents about his identity and age." All 70 of the players have not been identified. -- Cleveland Plain Dealer

It's time to retire Bert Blyleven's No. 28 Twins jersey

Jesse Crain wore jersey No. 28 for the Twins. But now that the relief pitcher has been dispatched to the minor league Rochester Red Wings, it would seem a perfect opportunity for the Twins to retire that number, which was prominently worn by Bert Blyleven during his 11 seasons pitching for Minnesota. Retiring Blyleven's No. 28 could help remind voters that Bert belongs in baseball's Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. Other retired Twins jerseys are those of hall of famers Harmon Killebrew (No. 3), Rod Carew (No. 29) and Kirby Puckett (No. 34), as well as Tony Oliva (No. 6), Kent Hrbek (No. 14) and Tom Kelly (No. 10). -- Pioneer Press

Astros' Wandy Rodriguez becoming solid starter

Astros president Tal Smith couldn't have been more right. In the last two seasons, Wandy Rodriguez has emerged as a solid major league starter. "You can tell pretty early on (in a game) with Wandy," Astros manager Cecil Cooper said. "His fastball command is primary for him. He needs a curveball, but if he's commanding his fastball he can be effective." His ERA has dropped by almost two full runs between his 2005-07 totals and his 2008-09 totals. He has 20 quality starts in 40 turns. -- Houston Chronicle

Royals' Aviles scheduled for major elbow surgery

It is with a sense of relief that Royals shortstop Mike Aviles now looks forward to reconstructive elbow surgery and the prospect of spending the next nine to 12 months in rehabilitation. Uncertainty was far worse. "Before, I didn't know what it was," Aviles said. "I just knew something was wrong. It wasn't just baseball. It was affecting my everyday life. I couldn't lift certain bags or open doors or stuff like that." The procedure, commonly known as Tommy John surgery, is set for July 8 in Los Angeles and will be performed by Dr. Lewis Yocum, a specialist in the field. -- KC Star

Kelly Johnson deals with Braves benching

What's good for Martin Prado is not so good for Kelly Johnson, after manager Bobby Cox said Tuesday night that it was time to give Prado a shot at the everyday second base job. But the numbers stacked up against Johnson, who has hit only .168 with no home runs and five RBIs in his past 28 games. His season average was down to .216 entering Wednesday night's game. "I'm not playing well, not hitting well," Johnson said. "I want to get on track. I want to be in a good position and be ready, so I can have good at-bats and just play as good as I can to help the team win." Johnson is prepared for whatever role that turns out to be, even if it's strictly coming off the bench. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Phillies slugger Howard dodges Home Run Derby question

In previous years, Ryan Howard has played coy when asked about his potential participation in the Home Run Derby. This year is no different, even though the event will be taking place in his hometown of St. Louis. Asked if he would participate, even if he's not a member of the National League All-Star team for the July 14 game, the Phillies' slugger smiled. "I don't know," he said. "We'll see what happens." -- Philadelphia Daily News

Nats kick Elijah Dukes to minors

The Washington Nationals sent Elijah Dukes to Class AAA Syracuse on Wednesday morning, saying Dukes was not a "finished product" and needed to play every day rather than sit on the bench in the majors. The move came in response to the team's acquisition Tuesday of middle reliever Sean Burnett and center fielder Nyjer Morgan in a trade that sent Lastings Milledge and Joel Hanrahan to the Pittsburgh Pirates. "I don't think we're going to be doing him any help by just sitting him here," Acta said before Wednesday's game against the Florida Marlins at Land Shark Stadium. -- Washington Post

Rays Longoria's hammy feeling better

Rays 3B Evan Longoria said his sore left hamstring is feeling better. Now it's just a matter of feeling better at the plate. Longoria, who missed six starts in early June and one last week due to the hamstring, downplayed the nagging injury, saying it's "something that everybody plays through." Maddon held Longoria out of the starting lineup Tuesday and plans to rest him on occasion until the hamstring is 100 percent. -- St. Petersburg Times

Dodgers pitcher is Mr. No-decision

Dodgers starting pitcher Randy Wolf is 3-3 this season with a 3.61 earned-run average, but there's another notable statistic: He has 11 no-decisions in 17 starts. The Dodgers have won eight of those 11 games. -- LA Times

Red Sox Jason Bay dealing with slump

Jason Bay finds himself in the midst of his first actual slump as a member of the Red Sox . Bay set a career high with five strikeouts yesterday, leaving him 0-for-15 with nine strikeouts for the series and capping a forgettable three-city road trip that saw him go 6-for-36, dropping his average to .262 - the lowest since the fourth game of the season, when he was at .250. -- Boston Herald

Jody Gerut stumbling along in Milwaukee

It was just the fifth start for Jody Gerut, who's had most of his at-bats while coming off the bench. Entering the game he was hitting .103 (3 for 29) since he was traded from the San Diego Padres for Tony Gwynn Jr. on May 21 and is the second outfield option off the bench behind Frank Catalanotto (.241 in five starts). Ken Macha said Gerut's struggles could have something to do with his playing time being cut since the trade. Gerut wasn't doing much better in San Diego, however, hitting .221 (25 for 113 with a .248 on-base percentage). -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

MLB pitcher wants to be called by different name

J.A. Happ, delighted the Phillies with a complete-game shutout in his last outing and is 5-0 this season. But increased fame has yielded increased confusion on one subject: What is this guy's name, and how does one pronounce it? Born James Anthony Happ, the 26-year-old lefthander prefers "J.A. Happ" to appear in newspapers, on baseball cards and elsewhere in print. But don't say "J.A" - he wants to be called "Jay." "I understand that there is a contradiction," he said. "I get that. But that's the way it is." -- Philadelphia Inquirer

Tigers 2B Placido Polanco credits training program for improved fielding

2B Placido Polanco won a Gold Glove in 2007, and yet Tigers manager Jim Leyland sees improvement in him this year. "He's definitely moving better than in any of the years I've been here," Leyland said, "and he's as steady as a rock." Polanco agreed, and said the reason is a four-days-a-week training program during the offseason at Perfect Competition in Miami. Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Raul Ibanez sold him on the idea, and they worked out there with a small group of other major leaguers. -- Booth Newspapers

Yankees Stadium revenue will pay debt service

Revenue from the new Yankee Stadium is almost five times the amount needed to cover debt service, even with slower-than-expected sales of its most expensive seats and skyboxes, according to a report by Moody's Investors Service. The Yankees sold an average of 45,000 tickets in each of the first 35 games in the Major League Baseball season, leaving the team on pace to sell 3.6 million this year, down from a record 4.3 million in 2008, Moody's said. The Yankees projected generating $331.5 million in stadium revenue this season, based on an expected attendance of 3 million. Moody's assigned a Baa3 rating to $111.9 million in rental revenue bonds that the New York City Industrial Development Agency is selling on the team's behalf to refinance a bank loan, along with the rest of $1.34 billion in bonds paying for the stadium. -- Bloomberg

Petit to replace Buckner in Arizona rotation

Arizona manager A.J. Hinch announced right-hander Yusmeiro Petit as the starter for Saturday's game against the Rockies. Petit takes the place in the rotation of right-hander Billy Buckner. Petit has been out since May 9 because of right-shoulder inflammation and has not had good results in five games of his rehab assignment, posting a 6.89 ERA and allowing four home runs in 15 2/3 innings. -- Arizona Republic

Who Knew?

Ichiro Suzuki hit .407 in June, with 44 hits - the 20th time in his career he's had 40 or more hits in a month. The last American League player to do that was Lou Gehrig. -- Tacoma News Tribune

How About That?

24 -- Assists this season by Pirates outfielders, the most in Major League Baseball. -- Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

A-Rod's nephew Joe Dunand Jr. creating his own baseball legacy

Joe Dunand Jr.'s nickname is Lil' Joe, but you might as well call him Lil' A-Rod. Dunand Jr., a 13-year-old slugger, is A-Rod's nephew. He's also a 5-9, 140-pound spitting image of the Bombers' third baseman. His father, Joe Dunand Sr., is Rodriguez's half-brother. "He looks more like his son than mine," Dunand Sr. said half-jokingly earlier this week as his son took batting practice at Jose Martinez's Baseball Made Simple Academy in the Bronx. A-Rod's nephew has a smooth, powerful swing for a 13-year-old, finishing with the same high follow-through as his uncle. "He's got great aptitude and he's got nice pop in his bat," said Martinez, who tutors some of the area's top young players at his academy. "He picks things up quick and he works hard. Unless you tell him 'stop,' he's going to keep going." Dunand Jr. lives in Miami and usually spends his summers there, but he has been staying at his father's place in the Bronx for the past few weeks to work with Martinez on refining his swing. -- NY Daily News

Yanks Derek Jeter enjoys margarita in Atlanta

New York Yankee heartthrob Derek Jeter was also spotted in Whiskey Blue drinking a margarita. Female Yankees fans and Braves fans were both gazing repeatedly in Jeter's direction during his visit. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

How About That?

Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton is averaging 14.82 strikeouts per nine innings, tops in the major leagues. -- LA Times

Did You Know?

Ken Griffey, who has 621 career home runs, has homered everywhere he has played except for two parks. He was 9 for 31 (.290) with a triple at old Comiskey Park in Chicago, which closed in 1990, and he went 1 for 4 with a double at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto on May 8, 1989. The Blue Jays moved a month later -- NY Times

Who Knew?

The Rockies' starters allowed three runs in 24 innings against the Dodgers. They are 19-6 with a 3.41 ERA since June 1. -- Denver Post

Phillies World Series hero gets free luxury condo lease?

Real-Estate sources keep telling us that neither Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora nor Phillies hurler Cole Hamels, two of the famous names used to market the Residences at Two Liberty Place, actually purchased their condos. They say instead the pair received free leases in exchange for promoting the luxury high-rise. According to the city's Board of Revision of Taxes, there are no records of Two Liberty condos being sold to Sambora, who has not yet moved into the building, or to Hamels and wife Heidi, who moved into the building in April. -- Philadelphia Daily News

Did You Know?

Jason Bay became the fifth Red Sox player to strike out at least five times in a game. Cecil Cooper holds the record with a six-strikeout game on June 14, 1974. Three others who struck out five times: Phil Plantier, George Scott (twice) and Ray Jarvis. -- Boston Herald

Female Brewers fan falls onto field

A female Brewers fan fell over the left-field railing to grab Castillo's sixth-inning double down the line. Castillo likely would have stopped at second anyway, but the fan interference forced Castillo to stop and the fan was ejected from the game. -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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