Game 35: Indians at Yankees  —  YANKEES  —  Chien-Ming Wang vs. the Cleveland hitters.  —  Cliff Lee vs. the New York hitters.  —  Notes: The Yankees are 8-8 at home, 9-9 on the road and 7-7 in games decided by one or two runs.  They're 4-4 against lefties and 13-13 against righties.

Teixeira's gamble should lead to big payday … Lately, the overwhelming trend for young stars has been to sign early in their careers, to take the money and stay, so to speak.  —  That's what makes Braves first baseman Mark Teixeira such a rare breed.  Incidentally, rare breeds don't come cheap these days.

Questions May Follow Clemens's Apology  —  When Roger Clemens tacitly acknowledged on Monday that he had engaged in extramarital relations, and apologized, he was seen as perhaps undermining the defamation lawsuit he filed in January against his former personal trainer Brian McNamee.

Gomez hits Twins' first cycle since Kirby in 1986 … CHICAGO (AP) — Carlos Gomez became the first Twins player since Kirby Puckett 22 years ago to hit for the cycle, Livan Hernandez took a shutout into the ninth and Minnesota beat the Chicago White Sox 13-1 on Wednesday night.

A-Rod's rehab plan takes shape  —  If you're one of the many people (based on the e-mails) hoping Alex Rodriguez will play a rehab game or two at Trenton or Scranton, you're probably out of luck.  —  The tentative plan for A-Rod is to fly to Tampa on Thursday and pick up the pace of the workouts at the team complex over the weekend.

Utley's RBI single gets Phils by Arizona  —  PHOENIX (AP)—Arizona's Conor Jackson celebrated his 27th birthday face-down in the dirt at first base after a nasty eighth-inning collision, then Eric Bruntlett and Chase Utley rallied Philadelphia to victory.  —  Bruntlett doubled in the tying run …

Dodgers' Esteban Loaiza goes on disabled list  —  Brazoban will be recalled, and Kershaw could be coming to the majors soon.  —  Esteban Loaiza was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday because of tightness and spasms in his right shoulder — a move that could create an opportunity …

Mulder sidelined by rotator cuff strain  —  Cardinals lefty's rehab stint on hold for seven to 10 days  —  DENVER — Currently in the Minor Leagues on a rehab assignment, Mark Mulder was diagnosed with a mild rotator cuff strain of his left shoulder on Wednesday morning.

Why Frank Thomas belongs in this year's All-Star Game  —  After watching his distinguished career and his outspoken stance against steroids, it's time to send Frank Thomas to the 2008 All-Star Game (Cast your vote here)  —  Here's a fact I've been having trouble getting my head around this morning …

O'Connor replaces Chico in rotation  —  Lefty called up as former starter finds a place in bullpen  —  HOUSTON — The Nationals are making a change in their starting rotation, naming left-hander Mike O'Connor to start Saturday night's home game against Florida in place of lefty Matt Chico.

Tigers win on Polanco's hit off Papelbon  —  DETROIT (AP)—The reeling Detroit Tigers looked like they were finally going to break out of their funk against Boston, scoring runs like they were expected to and pitching just good enough to win.  —  Then the Red Sox rallied from a four-run deficit …

Longtime O's groundskeeper Santarone dies at 79  —  He maintained Memorial Stadium field from 1969-1991  —  Pat Santarone served as the head groundskeeper at Memorial Stadium from 1969-1991.  (Photo courtesy of the Orioles)  —  Longtime Memorial Stadium groundskeeper Pat Santarone died yesterday …

Agent Boras shows up to support Mets' Perez  —  LOS ANGELES - Scott Boras, the agent for Oliver Perez, watched a handful of Mets' regulars take early batting practice Tuesday at Dodger Stadium.  Showing up in the wake of their 5-1 loss to the Dodgers the previous night …