Offerman charged with assault for bat attack  —  Offerman Arrested After Independent League Brawl  —  BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Former major league All-Star Jose Offerman was charged with two counts of second-degree assault after hitting the pitcher and catcher with his bat during an independent minor league game.

Different Rules.  Same Outcome. by Ran...  08-13  —  Jenks Blanks by Nate Silver  —  08-13  —  The Futures at Fenway by David Laurila  —  August 15, 2007, 10:33 AM ET  —  Different Rules.  Same Outcome.  —  by Rany Jazayerli  —  At this point, if Major League Baseball had enforced …

Yanks Get Brackman Done  —  The Newark Star-Ledger's Dan Graziano and Ed Price-a former BA staffer, in the interest of full disclosure-have reported that the Yankees have signed their first-round pick, righthander Andrew Brackman.  Baseball America has confirmed the contract's details …

Rockies acquire Ortiz as Cook headed to DL  —  The Rockies have taken a step to patch holes in their rotation by acquiring veteran right-hander Ramon Ortiz from Minnesota for minor-league infield prospect Matt Macri.  —  The rotation took another hit early today when right-hander Aaron Cook …

McGeary: Not done yet  —  Before we get to last night's game (Shawn Hill, Ryan Zimmerman), let me just make clear that this Jack McGeary situation is not over.  The Nationals are in this, and the kid - refresher course: sixth-round pick from Roxbury Latin in Boston, a native of Newton …

No pain, no game for these hard-nosed players … Jason Hirsh didn't mean to make a statement.  It just worked out that way.  —  After taking a J.J. Hardy line drive off the leg last week, Hirsh stayed in the game to pitch five more innings in Colorado's 11-4 victory over Milwaukee.

Brewers' Fielder appealing three-game suspension  —  MILWAUKEE — Prince Fielder is appealing the three-game suspension that was handed down by the commissioner's office Wednesday, allowing him to remain in the Milwaukee Brewers' lineup until his appeal is heard.

McCarthy placed on the DL  —  Stress fracture in right shoulder sidelines hurler  —  ARLINGTON — The Rangers have placed pitcher Brandon McCarthy on the disabled list with a stress fracture in his right shoulder.  —  McCarthy was supposed to pitch Thursday but the Rangers made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon.

PEDRO BETTER IN 2ND REHAB OUTING  —  With one rehab outing already done, the key issue is what was better about Pedro Martinez's second test yesterday afternoon.  —  "What we hear," Mets VP of development Tony Bernazard said, "is that his command was better."

Green adjusts as Willie gives Milledge shot  —  PITTSBURGH - Willie Randolph met with Shawn Green in the manager's office after the right fielder was left out of the lineup in favor of Lastings Milledge last night against the Pirates.  Green wasn't told he lost his job, but it's clear his playing time is diminishing.

Contreras in Friday showcase  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — Midway through August, the White Sox already are looking ahead to September, when rosters can expand.  —  Does manager Ozzie Guillen have his eye on any particular players down on the farm?  —  ''Everyone is here,'' Guillen said with a laugh Tuesday.

Rangers agree to sign Ramirez  —  Right-hander was 44th overall selection in Draft  —  ARLINGTON — The Rangers have reached an agreement with Neil Ramirez, the 44th overall selection in this year's First-Year Player Draft.  —  An official announcement from the Rangers is expected at some point Wednesday …