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.

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.

Ex-MLBer Coolbaugh, 35, killed by line drive  —  Minor league coach died after being hit with line drive  —  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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

Close Call, Then A Save  —  BOSTON - It had been awhile, 10 days to be exact, since Jonathan Papelbon strode to the mound with his adrenaline pumping.  It had been quite some time since the Red Sox closer walked off the mound pumping his fist.  —  Papelbon had two save opportunities the first three weeks of July.

Phillies eyeing Towers?  —  Philadelphia Phillies general manger Ruben Amaro was at the Rogers Centre on Saturday afternoon and a day later he was as good as gone.  —  A one-day trip always means the evaluator was looking at pitching.  —  Amaro picked a good day to see Blue Jays starter Josh Towers …

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 …