D-backs looking to upgrade offense  —  FOXSports.com, Updated 48 minutes ago  —  LIKE THIS STORY?  —  *The Diamondbacks have shown "some" interest in Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira, according to one industry source, but their offer is not as strong as those of the Braves and Angels, according to another.

Ensberg designated for assignment  —  Astros GM hoping to trade veteran third baseman  —  HOUSTON — The Houston Astros designated Morgan Ensberg for assignment on Sunday morning, meaning the team has 10 days to trade, release or send the third baseman to the Minor Leagues.

To Keith, as to fans, something feels wrong  —  Just when you think the Mets are shifting into a higher gear for the stretch run, they lose three out of four to the Pirates and Nationals, the dregs of the National League.  August is only a couple of days away now and you wonder if it is ever …

Young Signs A Two-Year Extension  —  The Washington Nationals announced the signing of first baseman Dmitri Young, the team's lone all-star, to a $10-million, two-year contract extension on Saturday.  The move reinforces Young's remarkable turnaround, removes a possible trade chip …

If Tex arrives, will Elvis leave building?  —  A few thoughts while wondering how many years it's been since the Braves had a better lineup than 1.  Johnson/Escobar, 2.  Renteria, 3.  Chipper, 4.  Teixeira, 5.  McCann, 6.  Francouer, 7.  Andruw, 8.  Diaz/Harris.

How do you spell relief?  —  Yankees looking to strengthen bullpen with Gagne  —  Also in this column:  —  The Yankees are working on a two-pronged makeover of their bullpen that could significantly enhance their chances to get back to the playoffs for a 13th straight season, if only they can pull it off.

Opponents Pay a Painful Price in Walking Bonds  —  Barry Bonds may not have had to overcome the obstacles that Hank Aaron did in trying to become baseball's career home run leader, but Aaron did enjoy one advantage Bonds would dearly appreciate: He rarely lacked for a pitch to hit.

Whirlwind days ahead  —  FOLD 'EM?  Trade of Iguchi signals start of busy period; expect Dye to go, Jose to stay  —  It seems almost everyone is tired of talking about it at this point.  —  General manager Ken Williams, outfielder Jermaine Dye, first baseman Paul Konerko, everyone.

Pirates Notebook: Starting rotation changes in works  —  PHILADELPHIA — The Pirates yesterday made the following changes:  —  Removed pitcher John Van Benschoten from their rotation, sending him to Class AAA Indianapolis for more work.  —  Delayed Tom Gorzelanny, skipping his turn early …

Canseco says he has 'stuff' on A-Rod in new book  —  When Jose Canseco wrote "Juiced" in 2005, he brought the issue of steroids in Major League Baseball to the forefront.  Now, Canseco has another book due this fall and he promises some juicy info on Alex Rodriguez.

Royals notes: Dotel main focus of trade talk  —  Scouts continue to flood into Kauffman Stadium as Tuesday's non-waiver trading deadline draws closer.  —  Most of the interest remains centered on veteran closer Octavio Dotel, with Seattle believed to be making a renewed push.

Selling GMs may be sitting pretty  —  Big returns possible for White Sox, Rangers and Twins  —  It's always easier to get a return on your investment at baseball's trading deadline if you are a seller rather than a buyer.  That could be especially true this year.

Pitchers' injuries might be more serious  —  Lowe has an irritated hip and Penny left Thursday's game because of an abdominal strain.  —  DENVER — The injuries to Derek Lowe and Brad Penny could be more serious than they have been letting on.  —  Trainer Stan Conte clarified that Lowe …