Mets part ways with Franco  —  The Mets are expected to remove Julio Franco from their roster today to make room for Lastings Milledge, Newsday has learned.  An announcement will be made before today's game.  —  It's not clear whether Franco, who turns 48 next month, will retire …

Ricciardi not planning any trades  —  General manager expects to keep core of players together  —  BOSTON — There are 19 days left until the non-waiver trading deadline, but Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi isn't counting.  In fact, Ricciardi isn't even sure he's making the trip to Florida …

Mets designate Franco for assignment  —  Says he will seek new chance in striving to play at 50  —  NEW YORK — For weeks, Julio Franco had spoken privately of the need to find work elsewhere and the need to get enough at-bats to allow him to continue his career and reach his objective of playing at age 50.

Rodriguez not ready to negotiate  —  After the New York Yankees on Wednesday indicated they would break from tradition and negotiate during the season with Alex Rodriguez on a contract extension, the slugger swiftly reiterated that he isn't interested in talking contract until after the season.

Reyes, Gotay power Mets past Reds 3-2  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Jose Reyes and Ruben Gotay opened with consecutive home runs, the first time that's happened in the 46-season history of the Mets, and New York beat the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 Thursday.  —  Reyes, fresh off his three-hit performance …

Lidge returns from rehab stint  —  Right-hander will be eased back into Astros' closer role  —  HOUSTON — As expected, the Astros activated closer Brad Lidge from the 15-day disabled list on Thursday, prior to their departure for Chicago.  —  To make room for Lidge on the 25-man roster …

Blogger Beat: Red Reporter  —  This season, at the beginning of each series, MetsBlog will attempt to get the perspective of the opposition and their fans.  From this, we hope to be better educated on the opposition going into a series.  It also gives us a fine opportunity to highlight some of our favorite team blogs.

Harden heads back to disabled list  —  Right-hander's shoulder problems continue after one start  —  OAKLAND — The A's opened the second half of the season by making an all-too-familiar roster move, placing righty Rich Harden on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 8, with a strained right shoulder on Thursday morning.

Padres LHP Wells suspended 7 games  —  SAN DIEGO (AP) — Padres pitcher David Wells was suspended for seven games and fined $3,000 Thursday by the commissioner's office for his animated argument with an umpire last weekend.  —  In handing down the punishment, Bob Watson, baseball's discipline czar …

Giambi-Mitchell meeting set for later this month  —  NEW YORK — Jason Giambi's meeting with baseball steroids investigator George Mitchell will take place later this month.  —  Giambi agreed to the session on June 21, and lawyers have worked since then trying to get a date that worked for all involved.

Mariners get help  —  Blown calls in wild fifth inning give Seattle run it shouldn't have had  —  One of the great things about baseball is that no matter how many games you've seen, on any given day you might see something new.  —  It's a fair bet that few in the crowd of 31,994 …

Schrodinger`s Bat: Dropping One Down by Dan Fox  —  Dropping One Down … Willy Taveras, commenting on his bunt single against the Yankees' Roger Clemens on June 20th.  —  There are times when the fan in you simply has to marvel at what you see on the field.

Giants, GM Sabean nearing extension  —  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Brian Sabean and the San Francisco Giants were closing in Thursday on a new multiyear contract extension for the general manager.  —  An official in Major League Baseball familiar with the negotiations, requesting anonymity …

Wrigley Field roughed up by The Police  —  CHICAGO (AP) — Sting was at Wrigley Field while the Cubs were on the road last week and now center field at the neighborhood ballpark is looking a bit rough.  —  As the Cubs held a workout Thursday before resuming play Friday after the All-Star break …