Cubs acquire A's Kendall  —  The Chicago Cubs, looking for help at catcher, acquired Oakland's Jason Kendall on Monday.  —  The Cubs will send catcher Rob Bowen and minor league pitcher Jerry Blevins to the A's for Kendall.  —  Before Monday's game against the Giants, Bowen was designated for assignment.

Bonds scratched from lineup against Cubs  —  CHICAGO (AP) — Barry Bonds needed a physical and mental break in a big way.  —  The slumping slugger was scratched from San Francisco's starting lineup Monday night, letting him rest his aching legs and giving him time to focus on something besides his latest funk at the plate.

Mets OF Alou homers in 1st rehab game  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — New York Mets outfielder Moises Alou homered in his first rehab game Monday and said he is only one or two weeks away from returning to the majors.  —  The 41-year-old left fielder has been out since tearing a quadriceps muscle in his left leg on May 12.

Brewers place Sheets on disabled list … MILWAUKEE // The Milwaukee Brewers placed pitcher Ben Sheets on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a sprained finger on his pitching hand.  —  The right-hander was injured Saturday during his start against Colorado.  Sheets, who turns 29 on Wednesday, said he "felt something pop, snap."

Prospectus Today  —  Grab Bag  —  Working through some of the stories listed on this page, word-that-rhymes-with-slog style...  - Dodgers recall D.J. Houlton.  I note this only because Houlton is a pitcher I've liked for some time, going back to when he was taken by the Dodgers in the 2005 Rule 5 draft.

'Tek takes seat to lick wounds  —  Jason Varitek hopes to return to the Red Sox [team stats] lineup tonight after sitting out yesterday following an adventurous Saturday night that saw him serve as a pinata with shin pads.  —  Varitek bit his tongue after he was struck by a deflected pitch …

Millar doesn't want to be dealt from O's  —  BALTIMORE (AP) — Kevin Millar would rather help the Baltimore Orioles become a winner than join a club that already is one.  —  As the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline nears, it's a sure bet the Orioles will be fielding offers for Millar …

Red Sox's Gabbard 3-hits Royals 4-0  —  BOSTON (AP) — Rookie Kason Gabbard pitched a three-hitter for Boston's second shutout of the season and the Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0 with the help of three homers Monday night.  —  Making his fourth start in place of injured Curt Schilling …

Not for $35 million a year  —  Rodriguez not worth what agent is asking — but Yankees will pay  —  Is Alex Rodriguez worth all the trouble?  Perhaps not, MSNBC.com contributor Michael Ventre writes.  —  Imagine for a moment that you're a multi-billionaire, and you have a craving for a candy bar.

Marlins suspend LHP Olsen 2 games  —  Associated Press, Updated 22 minutes ago  —  LIKE THIS STORY?  —  MIAMI (AP) - The Florida Marlins suspended left-hander Scott Olsen for two games without pay because of insubordination and conduct detrimental to the team, manager Fredi Gonzalez said Monday.

Games of the Day  —  The Blue Jays and Yankees, hanging on at the edge of the pennant race, meet today for the start of a four game series.  Each team really needs to take at least three out of four, not only to improve their standings against the other but to keep pace with the Red Sox who go into Kansas City for a three-game series.