Yankees sign Sidney Ponson  —  The Yankees just announced that they have signed right-handed pitcher Sidney Ponson to a Triple-A contract.  Presumably, this means Ponson will report to Scranton, but it would seem likely that he'd get a shot in the Yankees' major-league rotation soon.

WILLIE RANDOLPH: I DESERVED BETTER … Ousted Mets manager Willie Randolph complained today that he “deserved better” than being unceremoniously dumped in the middle of the night and that he was fired “way too early.”  —  The manager was sacked yesterday at 3:15 a.m. New York time in the GM's suite …

M's meet to discuss Sexson's future  —  A source within the organization says team is planning to release the first baseman soon.  —  SEATTLE — Struggling first baseman Richie Sexson's time with the Seattle Mariners could end soon.  —  One day after general manager Bill Bavasi was fired …

New York Yankees and Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment to open year-round Hard Rock Cafe in new Yankee Stadium  —  Yankee Global Enterprises to partner with Hard Rock to create NYY Steak  —  The New York Yankees announced today that they have agreed to enter into a long-term agreement …

J.D. Drew Worth The Money  —  When J.D. Drew signed his 5 year, $70 million contract with the Red Sox, they were destroyed by national media writers such as Bill Simmons who pushed the narrative that Drew was an unclutch loser who couldn't perform under pressure and wasn't any good even when he was healthy.

Mariners' pick for GM will reveal path  —  This was a man who had finally reached the limit of his patience, and seemed ready ...  Howard Lincoln's eyes were flashing fire on Monday.  —  This was a man who had finally reached the limit of his patience, and seemed ready — indeed, aching — to try a new way.

Reuniting Zito with old coach makes sense  —  (06-17) 20:09 PDT — Rick Peterson was Barry Zito's pitching coach through the pitcher's best years in Oakland.  Now that Peterson is unemployed, would it not make sense for the Giants to hire him as a special instructor to work with Zito and help right him?

Chatting with Sandy Alderson (Part 3)  —  This is the third of a three-part interview (Part 1 is here; Part 2 is here) with San Diego Padres CEO Sandy Alderson.  Big thanks to Mr. Alderson for taking time out of his busy schedule to make himself available, and also to his assistant …

Toxic time for Astros, and that's bad  —  If you've spent a few minutes in the Astros' clubhouse these days, you'd feel bad for the boys.  —  “It's real bad in here,” a player told me as soon as I got into the clubhouse Tuesday to try to get an unbiased opinion to the comments I read …

Cubs call Murton back up, but only as trade bait?  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Cubs recalled Matt Murton from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday and sent Eric Patterson back down, though they may just be showcasing Murton for a possible deal.  —  “We hated to send Patterson out, we really did,” manager Lou Piniella said.

Just why is Ichiro back in right field?  —  Just while we have a moment here this morning, I'd like to ask the following question:  —  What in the world is Ichiro Suzuki doing playing right field again?  —  When Jeremy Reed was injured midway through 2006, the club experimented with all sorts …

Woods set to have season-ending knee surgery  —  Tiger Woods has decided to have surgery on his left knee, which will end his 2008 season.  —  Woods said on his Web site that he will have surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament.  He also wrote that he needs time to rehabilitate …