Clemens Is Handed Five-Game Suspension  —  After hitting Toronto's Alex Rios in the back with a fastball on Tuesday, the Yankees' Roger Clemens did not try to claim innocence.  It was clear that Clemens was retaliating for the Blue Jays' actions toward Alex Rodriguez, and Major League Baseball agreed Thursday.

Sweeney now in Dodgers blue  —  First trade between Los Angeles, San Francisco since 1985  —  ST. LOUIS — Only hours after manager Grady Little hinted at roster changes, the Dodgers made one after Thursday's game, acquiring left-handed pinch-hitter Mark Sweeney from the Giants.  —  That's right, the Giants.

Ankiel expected to get plenty of playing time early on  —  The sudden departure of infielder Scott Spiezio, who is being treated for a substance abuse problem, is a step backward for the Cardinals.  But the long-awaited promotion of outfielder Rick Ankiel could be a large step forward.

A Longer Streak?  —  Scott Johnson writes noting that Bobby Jenks streak of retiring batters is longer than reported:  —  Photo: Warren Wimmer/Icon SMI … I've checked two sources, STATS, Inc. and BIS and both agree with Scott.  However, I almost made the same mistake.

Mets can't catch up  —  Great grab ends 9th-inning rally  —  Chipper Jones, who named a son after Shea Stadium, still owns the place.  Thanks to a game-saving catch on Carlos Delgado's would-be homer, the Braves continue to own the Mets, too.  —  Jones hit a three-run homer to put Atlanta ahead …

Unfit foundation: Back of Sox rotation must shoulder some of the load  —  The Red Sox [team stats] are built to win with pitching now, and maybe that is a sign of just how far this franchise has come.  But in the here and now, as we wonder how far these Sox can go, a most curious concern has sprouted.

Hairston example of Towers' acumen  —  ST. LOUIS - Kevin Towers blamed the rival Arizona Diamondbacks when the Padres last failed to win the National League West.  Towers said General Manager Joe Garagiola Jr. treated the Padres like a "leper colony" when he refused to trade Steve Finley to him.

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 …

Notes: Ledezma to start on Friday  —  Newcomer takes spot of Wells, who was cut Thursday  —  ST. LOUIS — Of the three trades the Padres made before July 31, the non-waiver trade deadline, trading for left-handed pitcher Wil Ledezma was probably received with the least amount of fanfare.

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 …

Mariners sweepin' in the rain  —  Offense overcomes another poor road start by Ramirez  —  BALTIMORE — Baseball conventional wisdom says good pitching beats good hitting.  —  And while that may be true, good hitting can slaughter mediocre pitching.  That was the key for the Mariners …