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 …

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.

Chamberlain moved to AAA bullpen  —  The Yankees today took a significant step toward making Joba Chamberlain a part of their bullpen down the stretch when they took him out of the rotation at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.  —  Chamberlain, who struck out 10 over five innings Wednesday …

With Wigginton aboard, Astros designate Ensberg for assignment  —  HOUSTON — One day after acquiring Ty Wigginton in a trade with Tampa Bay, the Houston Astros designated struggling third baseman Morgan Ensberg for assignment on Sunday.  —  Houston also recalled left-hander Mark McLemore …

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 …

Teixeira's new Brave world?  —  Atlanta seems the front-runner to acquire Rangers' slugger, which would shore up its weakest position and mean another run at the playoffs.  —  On July 18, 1993, Atlanta General Manager John Schuerholz acquired San Diego's Fred McGriff, a power-hitting …

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.

July 29 — REYES OF HOPE?  —  Heard an interesting rumor last night after our final deadline for the 50-cent edition.  The Phillies dispatched major-league scouting director Gordon Lakey to St. Louis to watch Anthony Reyes, the Cardinals' down-on-his-luck right-hander who was making …

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.

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.

The Vision Thing  —  The Washington Nationals, last in the National League East, in dire need of an influx of younger talent at every level of the organization, have taken one of their top trade chips—a player having a fluke season at age 33—off of the market.

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 …

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.