McAdam: Cancer-free Lester gets his second chance  —  BOSTON — Jason Varitek was one of the first Red Sox players to spot Jon Lester in the home clubhouse Sunday afternoon, moments after the Red Sox had held off the Chicago White Sox, 8-5.  —  "He had the biggest smile on his face," …

Pirates Notebook: Inquiry about Glaus spurned  —  Talk about aiming high.  —  The Pirates, in preliminary talks with Toronto regarding shortstop Jack Wilson, inquired about the Blue Jays' power-hitting third baseman, Troy Glaus, according to two sources intimately familiar with the matter.

Aki tells it like it is … They call him Aki.  —  After nine seasons in Japan, Akinori Iwamura joined the Devil Rays in the offseason, signing a three-year deal worth $7.7-million after the team spent $4.55-million for rights to negotiate with him.  In just a half-season, Iwamura, 28, has made quite the impression.

If present for No. 756, Selig won't celebrate record  —  MILWAUKEE — Bud Selig might be in attendance when Barry Bonds breaks Henry Aaron's all-time home run record, but the baseball commissioner will not move from his seat to participate in any on-field celebration, according to two people with knowledge of the decision.

Ex-Brown pitched against Babe Ruth  —  Rolland Mays "Lena" Stiles, the oldest living former major-league baseball player, died Sunday morning in his sleep at the age of 100 at Bethesda Southgate nursing home in St. Louis.  —  Mr. Stiles compiled a 9-14 record while pitching for the St. Louis Browns in 1930 …

Liner kills ex-MLBer Coolbaugh  —  NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Tulsa Drillers coach Mike Coolbaugh died Sunday night after being struck in the head by a line drive as he stood in the first-base coach's box during a Texas League game with the Arkansas Travelers, police said.

D'backs gauging interest in Livan  —  PLAYER OF THE DAY LIVAN HERNANDEZ RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks  —  Jose Contreras might not be the hottest Cuban pitcher on the trade market.  According to officials with two different teams, who asked not to be identified because talks are ongoing …

ALOU READY TO RETURN  —  When the Mets return to Shea Stadium tomorrow to play the Pirates, Moises Alou expects to join them.  —  "I don't know if I will be back in the lineup on Tuesday," said Alou, who has been on the disabled list since May 13 with a strained left quadriceps.  "I think I will be, though.

Tigers call up power-hitting Hessman  —  Corner infielder, 29, leads International League in homers  —  The Tigers purchased the contract of infielder Mike Hessman on Monday, giving the International League's leading slugger his first Major League stint since 2004.

SPENDING HIS A-WAD  —  ALEX'S ESTATE HUNT TIPS YANKEE PLANS  —  Maybe we can call him "Stay-Rod" now.  —  Yankee superstar Alex Rodriguez is eyeing a stunning new $25 million estate in Greenwich, Conn. - strongly suggesting he plans on remaining with the Bronx Bombers beyond this season, The Post has learned.

Belliard signs with Nats!  —  The Nationals have signed infielder Ronnie Belliard to a two-year extension beyond this season.  —  I don't have terms yet, but will get them pronto.  This is a very interesting development.  As I've written in the paper and said here, there had been some internal lobbying to make this move.

Prospectus Today  —  Calm Seas  —  We've launched the summer version of "The Mill," which will take us up through the trade deadline.  In addition to Will Carroll's regular reports from the front, we'll have even more inside information from the equally well-connected John Perrotto and Kevin Goldstein.

Zaun takes Jays' struggles personally  —  Anyone that has watched the Jays recently could not help but notice the pained expressions and in-game frustration displayed by catcher Gregg Zaun as his team stumbles offensively and through the standings.  Zaun's negative body language and flashes …

Bullpen in need of relief effort  —  Washington - Even before Jorge Julio unleashed a hanging slider to Austin Kearns, the Rockies were looking for late-inning reinforcements.  —  They would like to add another reliever, inquiring about everybody from Washington's Jon Rauch and Chad Cordero …

Angels finally get home run, beat Minnesota 7-2  —  MINNEAPOLIS - On the day the Angels' home-run drought ended, their general manager said he is trying to hit one out of the park as well.  —  Garrett Anderson hit a home run off the facing of the Metrodome's upper deck to end the team's streak …

Lack of Clutch Hitting Plaguing Mets  —  Nothing will drive a baseball fan mad quicker than a team that doesn't hit in the clutch.  There is nothing worse, and no amount of knowledge will make it better.  —  A perfectly rational person, fully aware that performance in the clutch has nothing …