Sox can hear footsteps: Yanks creep back in, testing club's mettle  —  Ten, nine, eight, seven.  Either this is a lesson in counting backward or the Red Sox [team stats] are starting to self-destruct.  —  For now, at least, let us assume that this is a test and only a test.

Notes: Olsen returns from suspension  —  Left-hander pitches a bullpen session on Wednesday  —  MIAMI — After serving his two-game suspension for insubordination and conduct detrimental to the team, Scott Olsen rejoined the Marlins and the left-hander is on schedule to start on Friday.

Mets recall utilityman Anderson  —  SAN DIEGO (TICKER) — The New York Mets recalled veteran utilityman Marlon Anderson shortly after their series-ending 5-4 loss to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday.  —  Anderson is expected to be with the Mets on Thursday after a weeklong stint with New Orleans - New York's Class AAA affiliate.

Braves sign Julio Franco  —  Hoping that a blast from their past will help fill a glaring need, the Braves signed 48-year-old first baseman Julio Franco for the rest of the season.  —  The oldest player in the majors, who turns 49 on Aug. 23, was dropped by the New York Mets last week …

Angels send struggling Santana to minors  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Struggling right-hander Ervin Santana was sent to the minors by the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday, a day after he was shelled by Tampa Bay and lost his fifth consecutive decision.  —  Santana fell to 5-11 with a 6.22 ERA in 19 starts.

Ordonez leads Tigers past Santana, Twins  —  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins were forced to take another frustrating step back, thanks to Magglio Ordonez's mastery of Johan Santana and the relentless Detroit Tigers.  —  Ordonez homered and drove in all three runs against his fellow Venezuelan …

Padres shell out bucks for draft picks  —  The Padres have guaranteed a franchise-record $6.9 million to draftees this year and are still negotiating with three players chosen among the top 10 rounds.  —  The total includes $1.4 million paid to 2006 selections Matt Latos and Jeremy McBryde, two pitchers signed in May.

MELKY'S HARD WORK PAYS OFF  —  When Melky Cabrera's batting average was lean, he wasn't.  But Cabrera, one of the team's hottest hitters entering yesterday, has added bulk to his batting average while subtracting from his weight.  —  Hitting coach Kevin Long said yesterday Cabrera …

Big inning dooms Millwood, Rangers  —  Right-hander surrenders four runs in second as Texas falls  —  OAKLAND — The play was out of the Rangers' past, a vision of one of the most pivotal plays in club history.  —  Those who remember the 1996 division playoff against the New York Yankees remember …

Collaborative effort drops Phillies  —  Veterans, youngsters combine to deliver series victory  —  LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers are trying to have it all ways, infusing youth and clinging to proven product while contending for a title.  It's no easy trick for manager Grady Little …

Bedard scratched with sore neck; Cabrera fills in  —  Left-hander misses side session, will start Friday vs. Oakland  —  SEATTLE - Erik Bedard will have to wait two more days to see whether he can extend his streak of 16 scoreless innings.  The Orioles left-hander was scratched …

Angels drop second straight to Rays  —  Colon strong early, but walks get to right-hander  —  ST. PETERSBURG — There wasn't much to crow about on Wednesday night.  The pitching started strong, but it ended with a whimper.  The offense took charge, and then fell silent.

HUGHES '100 PERCENT'  —  TWO MORE STARTS, THEN TO YANKS  —  Phil Hughes moved a step closer yesterday to making the Yankees' rotation whole for the first time this season.  —  On a hot, muggy day at Waterfront Park, Hughes pitched four innings and allowed one run in the Thunder's 5-1 victory over the Binghamton Mets.