The latest on A-Rod's rehab  —  This from the AP in Tampa:  —  Alex Rodriguez remains on target to rejoin the New York Yankees on Tuesday.  —  The third baseman, out since April 28 with a strained right quadriceps, hit a grand slam to center field during his 15 at-bats in a simulated game Sunday.

Young Rays have passed Yankees in standings and in talent  —  Having spent a little time being both, I feel qualified to say this: Being young is better than being old.  —  Generally speaking, running is preferable to standing still, energy is better than entitlement and today is better than yesterday.

Big News: Blalock moving to first  —  When Hank Blalock comes off the disabled list — maybe as soon as next weekend in Cleveland — he'll play at first.  —  Hank was the one that volunteered to make the move.  He went over some stuff at first this morning with Ron Washington and will work …

Masterson, Colon to pitch  —  The Red Sox have announced the starters for Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, against the Kansas City Royals.  Justin Masterson will be brought up on Tuesday, swapped with Chris Smith (who came up today).  Then Masterson will return to the minors after the game …

Secret papers show how Yankees became richest team in sports  —  The Yankees are floundering in the standings but the team's reputation as the money machine of American sports is as dominating as ever.  —  The millions of dollars earned by the Bronx Bombers - whose estimated $1.2 billion worth makes …

Rumer has it this fan is no Bartman  —  The Rockies have a friend in the diamond business.  —  After the Rockies' 3-2 victory over the Twins on Saturday night — in a gem of a game — the jewelry chain that honors the star of the game should have given the sparkling bauble to . . . Eric Rumer.

FORMER YANKEE ELLIS FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE  —  Dock Phillip Ellis' voice reveals how much pain he is in.  The former pitcher speaks slowly, haltingly about his battle with cirrhosis of the liver.  “It's pretty bad,” Ellis said...  A-ROD GOES DEEP IN FIRST REHAB GAME

Notebook: Hamilton ready for a break  —  rdurrett@dallasnews.com  —  ARLINGTON - Manager Ron Washington pulled Josh Hamilton aside in spring training and made it clear the slugger should tell him when he needed a break.  —  “He still reminds me even now,” Hamilton said.

Astros RHP Oswalt may miss next start  —  ARLINGTON, Texas (AP)—Houston manager Cecil Cooper said there was miscommunication about sending Astros ace Roy Oswalt to pitch the seventh inning — which is when he left the game Saturday night with a hip injury against Texas.

Royals give contract extension to Soria  —  Closer gets early birthday gift: a deal with options through 2014  —  MIAMI — Nice birthday present for Royals closer Joakim Soria.  —  Soria, who will turn 24 on Sunday, received a three-year contract extension through 2011 followed by three option years …

Why Branyan wasn't called up  —  Boston - Even though his predominantly right-handed lineup is struggling to score runs, Brewers manager Ned Yost said today it didn't make sense to call up Russell Branyan to serve as designated hitter for three games against Boston.