New York Yankees Top 20 Prospects for 2008  —  New York Yankees Top 20 Prospects for 2008  —  All grades are EXTREMELY PRELIMINARY and subject to change.  — Joba Chamberlain, RHP, Grade A  — Jose Tabata, OF, Grade B+  — Ian Kennedy, RHP, Grade B+  — Alan Horne, RHP, Grade B

Orioles Speak Up Against Mitchell Report  —  The Baltimore Orioles broke ranks with the other 29 major league clubs and Commissioner Bud Selig by issuing a statement late Saturday night that strongly questioned George J. Mitchell's report on the use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball.

Yanks & Mets look into Prior  —  The possibility of the Yankees and Mets competing for a big-name pitcher always puts sizzle into a free-agent chase, but it remains to be seen how deep the two teams get into discussions over rehabbing righty Mark Prior, the ex-Cub.

ESPN still waiting to hear from Viña  —  NEW YORK — Will Fernando Viña appear on ESPN again?  The network says it's up to him.  Viña joined ESPN's Baseball Tonight as an analyst in 2007 but has yet to appear on any ESPN property since being named in the Mitchell Report.

Young tries physical therapy  —  The longtime physical therapist for golfer Tiger Woods could play a role in whether the Padres reach the playoffs.  —  Pitcher Chris Young, beset by injuries to three torso muscles the past two years, has enlisted Keith Kleven, acclaimed for his muscle work with Woods and other pro golfers.

Pettitte finds safe haven at his Tex. church  —  A day after Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte fessed up to using human growth hormone, he took refuge in the forgiving embrace of his family and his Texas church.  —  With his wife, Laura, and four children at his side, Pettitte was greeted warmly …

Silent nights: A-Rod says he, Boras not speaking  —  NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez's desire to go it alone in contract talks with the Yankees drove a wedge between him and his longtime agent, Scott Boras.  —  But the player revealed the depth of the hard feelings in a "60 Minutes" …

Sosa in clear?  Sorry, no way  —  Perhaps you saw the two letters to the editor in Saturday's Tribune Sports section.  —  One suggested that media members take a hard look at themselves in regard to their treatment of Sammy Sosa, seeing as how Sosa's name didn't show up in the Mitchell report.

Cards deal icon Edmonds to Padres  —  Center fielder and cash exchanged for prospect Freese  —  ST. LOUIS — Over an eight-year span as one of the finest players in Cardinals history, Jim Edmonds made St. Louis his home.  As his career comes to an end, though, the franchise icon …

D-backs, Melvin agree on extension  —  Arizona to lock up manager through 2010, according to source  —  PHOENIX — The D-backs have reached an agreement with Bob Melvin on a contract extension through the 2010 season, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told MLB.com.

Olsen wants to be new ace  —  Left-hander, Maybin looking to secure key roles on Marlins  —  MIAMI — In terms of leadership and experience, no one on the young Marlins staff is fully ready to replace Dontrelle Willis.  But Scott Olsen makes it clear that he wants the status the D-Train previously held with the organization.

Dale Murphy has big beef with cheaters  —  Dale Murphy still regrets not saying something during his playing career, when the power numbers of ripped sluggers were exploding along with their outsized pecs.  Now retired and devoting much of his time to his anti-steroid "I Won't Cheat" …

Mets fans cryin' foul after 20% hike for tix  —  It will cost you more to believe next season.  —  Mets fans will have to shell out an additional 20% for home-game tickets - a move that hasn't hit a home run with fans who are still bitter over the team's historic, season-ending slide.

The Dan Haren Trade: Glass Half Empty for the Angels  —  There is a detailed analysis of the Dan Haren trade over at the subscriber-driven Baseball Prospectus, and for Angel fans, it is not a pretty picture.  —  In short, don't pop the division crown corks any time too soon, especially you pre-2009-11 AL West crown revelers.

Dodgers beat M's to Kuroda  —  The Mariners lost out on one of their prime pitching targets, Japanese free agent Hiroki Kuroda, who agreed Saturday on a three-year contract to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers.  —  The deal will be worth $35.3 million, according to mlb.com.