Rainout creates opportunities for Yanks  —  After first three games vs. Rays, rotation may be reshuffled  —  DETROIT — The large green blob circling over the Detroit metropolitan area offered little hope for baseball, but an afternoon rainout Sunday may create a window of opportunity …

Gagne out as closer  —  As expected today, Eric Gagne is out of the closer's role after his comments in today's paper saying he didn't deserve the spot any longer.  —  Gagne said it was a mental issue, and Ned Yost said Gagne would receive a break from the role, leaving the ninth inning to his entire bullpen depending on the matchups.

White Sox's Orlando Cabrera has leadership, will travel  —  SEATTLE - Orlando Cabrera views himself as a hired gun.  —  It remains to be seen whether the shortstop will have enough time with the White Sox to apply the leadership qualities for which he said he was acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels.

Rays finish sweep of Angels with 8-5 win  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)—Carl Crawford has played more games for Tampa Bay than any player in team history, so it was fitting that he delivered the blow that lifted the Rays into uncharted territory.  —  The surging Rays climbed five games …

Corey traded to Padres  —  Welcome to the Metrodome, where the Red Sox face the Twins tonight.  —  We just learned that the San Diego Padres have acquired righthanded pitcher Bryan Corey from the Red Sox for a player to be named or cash.  —  Corey, who was outrighted to Triple A Pawtucket April 30 …

Sox' talks with Rockies on Tavarez still alive  —  The Red Sox are still talking with the Rockies about a deal for reliever Julian Tavarez.  News of the talks, first reported in the Denver Post last week, have not died out, according to a major league source with knowledge of the situation.

Carlos Beltran, Ryan Church hit back-to-back homers as Mets blast Reds  —  Carlos Beltran and Ryan Church hit back-to-back homers in the fifth inning to support Oliver Perez and lead the New York Mets to an 8-3 victory Sunday over the bumbling Cincinnati Reds.

Cubs complete sweep of Diamondbacks  —  CHICAGO (AP)—Daryle Ward was so sure he would play in the majors that he practiced his signature as a kid.  He may get a few autograph requests after his latest big hit.  —  Ward delivered a pinch-hit, two-run double in the eighth inning …

A few things....  Manny Ramirez is out of the lineup with sore right hamstring.  Manager Terry Francona said Ramirez phoned him this morning to tell him the hamstring was hurting after he ran hard to beat out a double-play ball in the 9th.  —  Ramirez, who has one hit in his last 15 at-bats, was having treatment this afternoon.

Dodgers didn't get a care package with Andruw Jones  —  Struggling center fielder dismisses jeers from Dodger Stadium crowd, saying 'you play for the team, you don't play for the fans.'  —  Since offering to go on a diet with Andruw Jones and getting nowhere with him, I've lost 14 pounds …

Insider: Cardinals are at wits' end with Reyes  —  MILWAUKEE — The Cardinals and Anthony Reyes are headed toward divorce.  All that remains is whether the split will be amicable or contentious.  —  The reason should be obvious by now: Irreconcilable differences.