Fred Wilpon backs Minaya on Randolph firing  —  In his first expansive public comments since the Mets fired Willie Randolph a week ago, team CEO Fred Wilpon defended the team's actions and proclaimed happiness with the job performance of general manager Omar Minaya.

Surgery result optimistic for Curt Schilling  —  WILMINGTON, Del. - The door is still open.  —  After one hour and 45 minutes of surgery on Red Sox [team stats] pitcher Curt Schilling [stats], Dr. Craig Morgan and his associate, Dr. Augustus Mazzocca, looked at each other and smiled.

A's Take Lead In Inoa Sweepstakes  —  Dominican could shatter bonus records  —  According to several international sources, Oakland has established itself as the clear frontrunner to sign 16-year-old Dominican righthander Michel Inoa when the international signing period begins on July 2.

Gameday Live 75: Mariners at Mets  —  Hey everyone!  Marc Jimenez here again as the Mets (37-37) host a three-game series against the worst team in baseball, the Seattle Mariners (26-49).  Good pitching matchup tonight as Johan Santana (7-5, 3.04), who hasn't won since June 1, faces Felix Hernandez (6-5, 2.87).

Jeter, A-Rod safe, sound on ballot  —  Other Yankees position players gaining in All-Star Game vote  —  NEW YORK — The left side of the Yankees' infield should have no trouble adjusting to its surroundings on July 15, as long as the current All-Star Game tallies hold up.

UGA stuns Fresno State in CWS opener … OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Joey Lewis hit a tiebreaking double in Georgia's four-run eighth inning, and the Bulldogs came from three runs down to defeat Fresno State 7-6 in Game 1 of the College World Series finals on Monday night.

Anderson, Lackey lead Angels over Nats  —  WASHINGTON (AP)—John Lackey knew he had only himself to blame when his throwing error in the seventh inning gave Washington a one-run lead.  —  No need to worry.  His Angels were playing the bumbling Nationals, after all.

With Marshall arriving, Johnson likely to DL  —  The Cubs will make a roster move Tuesday to clear space for left-handed pitcher Sean Marshall.  —  Outfielder Reed Johnson is a likely candidate to go on the disabled list with back problems.  —  Johnson has not played since Tuesday at Tampa Bay …

Vizquel to return in odd role of visitor  —  Shortstop cultivated plenty of memories on, off field in Cleveland  —  Omar Vizquel often can see the losing on their faces.  —  Before most games, he likes to stand in the dugout and look across to the other side.

Lake Mary pitcher Matt Richardson picks Yankees over UCF  —  Lake Mary right-hander Matt Richardson, Central Florida's top draft pick among high school players in this year's amateur draft earlier this month, will forgo a scholarship to UCF to play professional baseball.

Yanks return to Pittsburgh for first time since 1960  —  PITTSBURGH — The Pirates are throwing a welcoming party tonight when the New York Yankees play in Pittsburgh for the first time since the 1960 World Series.  This time, Bill Mazeroski will have a baseball in his hand rather than a bat.

Haren beats Beckett in Arizona's 2-1 win  —  BOSTON (AP)—Dan Haren was dominant over seven shutout innings, limiting Boston to just two hits and outpitching Josh Beckett in the Arizona Diamondbacks' 2-1 win over the Red Sox on Monday night.  —  The Diamondbacks, swept by Minnesota over the weekend …