Sources: Spiezio to seek drug treatment  —  The Cardinals have removed infielder-outfielder Scott Spiezio from the active 25-man roster, and Spiezio has left the club to seek treatment for a substance-abuse problem, team and industry sources said.  —  Spiezio was moved to Major League …

Troubling sign for Pena: Waivers clear way for trade  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. - Wily Mo Pena got the call from his agent, Josh Zeide, yesterday morning.  The news wasn't what the 25-year-old outfielder had hoped to hear.  —  The Red Sox [team stats] had signed Bobby Kielty …

Pinch-hitting specialist Sweeney traded to Dodgers  —  SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Giants dealt pinch hitter deluxe Mark Sweeney to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, the first trade between the rivals in more than 20 years.  —  Sweeney had a pinch-hit single in the sixth inning …

Yankees, Jays disciplined by MLB  —  Clemens, Torre receive suspensions; three Jays fined  —  TORONTO — The Blue Jays and Yankees are going to have to pay for their actions after clearing the benches twice during a heated on-field incident on Tuesday night in Toronto.

Infielder Graffanino lost for the season  —  Veteran out after tearing ACL while making catch on Wed  —  DENVER — Brewers infielder Tony Graffanino has a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a torn meniscus in his right knee, and his 2007 season is over.  —  Graffanino suffered the injury making …

M's acquire Parrish  —  Move gives Lowe chance to gain strength in minors  —  BALTIMORE — At first glance, Seattle acquiring left-handed reliever John Parrish from Baltimore while demoting right-hander Mark Lowe doesn't seem like a home run.  —  Lowe has a 1.50 ERA …

Hill's Return Will Require Decisions  —  With right-hander Shawn Hill due to return to the Washington Nationals' rotation next week — assuming his final rehabilitation start at Class AAA Columbus on Thursday goes well — the club will have decisions to make about how to shape a pitching staff that …

Harang, Reds pile on to Dodgers' woes  —  Cincinnati ace throws eight shutout innings, gets support from Griffey, Phillips in 1-0 victory.  —  CINCINNATI — Aaron Harang is back and so is his back.  —  After missing his last turn with a sore back and pitching only one inning …

Angry Chipper tells NY media: 'I'm not talking'  —  Upset over the portrayal of his comments about Alex Rodriguez and steroids, Chipper Jones boycotted the New York media on Thursday.  —  "I told you I'm not talking," Jones said after he hit a three-run homer in the Braves' 7-6 victory over the Mets at Shea Stadium.

Notes: Contreras in 'pen for now  —  Veteran right-hander will rejoin White Sox rotation next week  —  CHICAGO — John Danks' one-start respite barely survived 24 hours, before the rookie left-hander was returned to the White Sox starting rotation prior to Thursday's series finale against the Indians.

Ripken to be appointed envoy to State Dept  —  BALTIMORE (AP) — Hall of Fame newcomer Cal Ripken Jr. was chosen by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to promote baseball around the world.  —  Rice on Monday will make Ripken a Special Sports Envoy to the Department of State …

Are the Cubs Leading a New Era in Baseball Sponsorships?  —  Years from now, when sports business practitioners look back at 2007, will they recognize the "tipping point" of a new era in sports marketing?  Time will tell, but I believe an ideological shift in marketing philosophy gained acceptance …

Pete's status and then some trivial stuff  —  First off the important stuff.  Here is the latest update on Peter Despain.  —  "I wanted to let you know we brought Pete home last night.  He was pretty much out of it until today due to the pain medication.

A different sort of film session  —  FLAGSTAFF - The Cardinals went to the practice field twice Wednesday but worked hard in just one of them.  —  That's because coach Ken Whisenhunt called off the morning session and took everyone to the movies instead.  Talk about a fun film session.