Mets to name Johnson hitting coach  —  Howard Johnson will be named hitting coach of the New York Mets on Friday, getting the nod over Rickey Henderson, who will coach first base, baseball sources said.  —  Ninth in the National League in runs after finishing third in the NL last season …

Ichiro's extension with Mariners worth $90 million  —  SEATTLE — Great week to be Ichiro Suzuki.  —  The Seattle leadoff man signed a $90 million, five-year contract extension Friday, three days after he was the unanimous MVP of the All-Star Game.  —  The deal ensures Seattle …

Yankees opt to give A-Rod an ultimatum  —  ST. PETERSBURG - The Yankees have a message for Alex Rodriguez: sign an extension before opting out of your contract, or don't sign with us at all.  —  A source told the Daily News that the Bombers have made it clear to A-Rod and his agent …

Growing pains  —  Hurting Ortiz acknowledges knee injury  —  For those looking for a harbinger of better things to come for the Red Sox in the season's second half, last night's 7-4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays abounded with candidates, but none more encouraging than this:

Mavs owner Cuban enters Cubs fray  —  FOXSports.com, Updated 57 minutes ago  —  LIKE THIS STORY?  —  Add internet billionaire and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban to the list of potential Chicago Cubs buyers.  —  "I submitted an app," Cuban said in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

Giants Give GM Brian Sabean Two-Year Extension  —  The San Francisco Giants followed through with news that leaked earlier in the week (index.php?option=com_content task=view id=1316 Itemid=42): General Manager Brian Sabean has been given a two-year contract extension, which includes a club option …

Notes: Hall hopeful for a quick recovery  —  Outfielder upbeat on returning from injury earlier than expected  —  MILWAUKEE — Bill Hall returned to Miller Park for the Brewers' team workout Thursday evening walking normally and feeling optimistic about a quick recovery to his sprained right ankle.

'I trac system' a real eye-catcher  —  Some believe it enhances concentration; skeptics still remain  —  Before each home game, Travis Hafner walks over to the batting cage in the basement of Jacobs Field and goes through drills on a machine called the I trac Vision Training System.

Notes: Escobar on way back to bigs  —  Nationals outfielder to play left field once he returns  —  MIAMI — Outfielder Alex Escobar is expected to play a few games for Triple-A Columbus before being called up to the big leagues.  Manager Manny Acta said there is nothing wrong with Escobar's health.

Sheffield: Yankees treat black players differently  —  Gary Sheffield asserts black and white players are treated differently under Yankees manager Joe Torre, says Derek Jeter "ain't all the way black," and denies he ever has used steroids because "steroids is something you shoot in your butt" …

Tigers trade troubled pitcher Colon to Royals  —  DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers traded pitcher Roman Colon, recently charged in a locker room scuffle with a Triple-A teammate, to the Kansas City Royals on Friday for a player to be named.  —  Colon was charged with felonious assault after a brawl June 12.