Wagner blows save again, Mets lose  —  NEW YORK (AP)—Billy Wagner's big slump has come at a terrible time for the New York Mets.  —  The beleaguered closer coughed up his third consecutive save chance, this time wasting a splendid pitching performance by Johan Santana and allowing …

Lowell hits slam, Red Sox beat O's 9-2  —  BOSTON (AP)—The differences between big David Ortiz and bland J.D. Drew are striking.  So are the similarities.  —  The streaking Drew kept filling the hole left by Boston's injured slugger on Thursday night when he hit a two-run homer and a double …

Inoa, 16, at head of Latin American prospect class … Less than a month after Major League Baseball's first-year player draft comes the big auction for Latin American prospects.  No draft slot is necessary.  Just bring loads of cash and make your best pitch.

Cabrera's HR in 9th gives Tigers sweep  —  DETROIT (AP)—Miguel Cabrera listened intently to Jim Leyland and did exactly what the Detroit Tigers manager told him to do.  —  Cabrera hit a game-ending solo homer in the ninth inning and the Tigers beat the Chicago White Sox 2-1 Thursday to complete a three-game sweep.

Rick Sutcliffe is concerned for Erin Andrews' skirt in Chicago  —  Watch the Lassoed clip here.  —  To recap: Ms. Andrews was wearing a top that she described as “spelling bee yellow.”  She then said she was wearing the color for ol' Sut, who is currently battling cancer, before throwing it back up to the booth.

Pap to Rays: ‘Payback is a bitch’  —  In his weekly appearance on Comcast SportsNet yesterday, Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon said the Sox feud with the Rays is not over yet.  —  “Obviously as you can see it's a war when we go play those guys,” Papelbon said on the Sox rivalry with the Rays.

Cubs to turn back the clock at Wrigley  —  Chicago (42-24) vs. Atlanta (32-34), Thursday, 1:20 p.m. CT  —  CHICAGO — When you turn on the Cubs and Braves game Thursday, don't panic.  There's nothing wrong with your TV set.  —  The teams will turn back the clock in honor of the 60th anniversary …

Cubs Beat Braves on Hit Batsman  —  CHICAGO — Jeff Ridgway hit pinch-hitter Reed Johnson with the bases loaded in the 11th inning and the Chicago Cubs beat the reeling Atlanta Braves 3-2 Thursday.  —  The Braves have lost six straight and can't seem to win away from Turner Field.

Nationals fall short in comeback attempt against Pirates  —  PITTSBURGH - Ryan Doumit finished an outstanding series against Washington, hitting another home run in the Pittsburgh Pirates' 7-5 win over the Nationals on Thursday.  —  In the three-game series, the Pirates catcher went 9-for-11 …

Andino called up, Jones out  —  MIAMI GARDENS - Jacque Jones' stay with the Marlins lasted less than three weeks.  —  In a move that was somewhat surprising, the Marlins designated Jones for assignment after Wednesday's dramatic win over the Phillies and promoted Triple-A infielder Robert Andino to take his place on the roster.

Twins cut ties with reliever Rincon  —  Pitcher said he will elect free agency over Minors assignment  —  CLEVELAND — The Twins cut ties with right-handed pitcher Juan Rincon as expected on Thursday, offering him an outright assignment to Triple-A Rochester.  Rincon has 72 hours to accept or decline the assignment.

The Star Ledger's Dan GrazianoSits Down With Bronx Liaison  —  The Star Ledger's Dan Graziano  —  Sits Down With Bronx Liaison  —  by Bronx Liaison … 6 comments  —  Labels Dan Graziano, interview, Newark Star Ledger

After Moving Past .500, the Yanks Tumble Back  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — The .500 mark is like a vicious undertow for the Yankees.  Over and over, they struggle their way to the shore, seemingly ready to make a run.  Yet over and over, they are pulled back, treading water again.