Jorge Posada is ready to start Thursday  —  Jorge Posada was getting reacquainted with the Yankees locker room following his long stint on the disabled list, when he was asked if the Bombers were ready to make a move in the standings now that the gang was, finally, all here.

Harper: Joba moving, doubt rising  —  You can feel the concern creeping into the Yankee clubhouse.  By now the Yankees are practically the home office for slow starts, but the players are all too aware that improved pitching throughout the American League East means it won't be so easy to bludgeon their way to the top this year.

Coco Shows Some Fire  —  During last night's game between the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays, Coco Crisp tried to steal second base in the 6th inning.  When he tried to slide into second, Rays shortstop Jason Bartlett put his knee down in front of the bag, which is a no-no since someone can get seriously hurt.

Jeter now third on Yanks' all-time hits list  —  No. 2,416 scores a run and carries shortstop past Mantle  —  NEW YORK — Derek Jeter stood at first base, reluctant to doff his batting helmet and acknowledge the roaring Yankee Stadium crowd.  —  He was even more hesitant …

Skipworth may be draft catch for Florida  —  ATLANTA - Not since taking Charles Johnson at their inaugural draft in 1992 have the Marlins selected an amateur catcher with their first pick.  —  Kyle Skipworth could end that drought this afternoon when baseball convenes its June talent bazaar for the 44th time.

White Sox sign pitcher Esteban Loaiza to one-year contract and option Ehren Wassermann to Triple-A Charlotte  —  Dewayne Wise accepts outright assignment to Charlotte  —  CHICAGO — Prior to tonight's game vs. Kansas City, the Chicago White Sox signed free-agent right-handed pitcher Esteban Loaiza …

SHEPPARD IMPROVING  —  Public-address announcer Bob Sheppard's health is improving, and the 97-year-old Yankee Stadium icon could be in his familiar seat in time for the All-Star Game on July 15, Yankees COO Lonn Trost told The Post yesterday.  —  “We've spoken to Bob, and with a little luck he'll be there …

Emotions boil over as losing continues  —  The time for patience and politeness came to a screeching halt Wednesday.  —  The team president started his morning by yelling at the coaches.  Pieces of equipment — and a garbage can — were hurled in the postgame clubhouse.

What's gone wrong with Yankees' Robinson Cano?  —  Two years ago, Robinson Cano's bid to win the American League batting title went down to the final weekend of the season.  Reminded of that yesterday afternoon, the Yankees' 25-year-old second baseman leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

D-Rays On Beckham (or, Money Changes Everything)  —  As we close in on midnight, the draft is still, well, pretty much a mess, but there looks to be some direction finally with the Rays at number one overall.  It's not because they've made a decision on who is the best player …

Statue of Liberty gets MLB makeover  —  Versions of landmark to adorn NYC leading up to All-Star Game  —  An open letter to the people of France:  —  Bonjour!  We in America are still very thankful for the Statue of Liberty.  —  She is a fine lady.  She still stands for freedom and huddled masses and all of that.

Rays mum on who will be No. 1 pick  —  Club to select from among five players in Thursday's Draft  —  BOSTON — The Rays remained tight-lipped Wednesday about who will be the first player selected in Thursday's 2008 First-Year Player Draft.  —  The Rays hold the top pick in the Draft …