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 …

Loose change for Sox  —  They overtake Angels to avert a series sweep  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. — It was apparent before last night's game in the Red Sox clubhouse that the team was gripped with the same anxiety that had seized many of its followers.  —  Julio Lugo was at the controls …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

Mariners trade for bullpen help, get John Parrish from Baltimore  —  BALTIMORE — The Mariners bolstered their bullpen for the stretch run Thursday when they acquired left-hander John Parrish from the Baltimore Orioles.  —  Because the Mariners are playing the Orioles in the finale …

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.

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 …

Forgive Us As We Weep Sweet Tears Of Hope: Ankiel Gets The Call  —  FORGIVE US AS WE WEEP SWEET TEARS OF HOPE  —  Ankiel Gets The Call  —  He is the The Natural, he is Young Musial, he is the alpha, the omega, the beginning, the end.  And, as of today, he is a member of the St. Louis Cardinals.

X-ray reveals fractured leg for Hirsh  —  Pitcher suffered injury in first inning of Tuesday's victory  —  DENVER — A line drive that hit the right leg of Rockies pitcher Jason Hirsh during the first inning of Tuesday night's 11-4 victory over the Brewers did more damage than originally believed.