Clash on the mound can't erase their past  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Once again, it came down to a question of fight.  —  On the mound, with first place on the line, and a proud man's heart on full display.  —  This time, the Red Sox were a small part of the show.

A-Rod to skip HR Derby  —  Alex Rodriguez may be the American League's leading vote-getter for this year's All-Star Game, but the reigning MVP has no plans on making it a two-day event.  —  Even with the All-Star festivities taking place in his home ballpark, A-Rod said he would not participate …

Union Plans Grievance to Aid Chacon  —  Shawn Chacon cleared waivers and was released yesterday by the Astros, five days after a physical altercation with GM Ed Wade in the clubhouse.  —  Michael Weiner, the general counsel of Major League Baseball's Players Association, said the union planned to file a grievance today.

Chavez plans return for Angels opener  —  Oakland (44-37) at Los Angeles (49-33), Monday, 7:05 p.m. PT  —  OAKLAND — A day after saying he was “befuddled” and “concerned” regarding the sore right shoulder that forced him to sit out his team's weekend series against the Giants …

Yanks Come Home and Go Quietly  —  Jason Giambi's tongue danced around the corners of his mouth Monday as he legged out his first triple in nearly six years.  The capacity crowd appreciated the 270-foot sprint by the 37-year-old slugger, cheering him on as if he were running for a gold medal.

Bon Jovi to play free All-Star Week show  —  Legendary rockers to play for 60,000 in Central Park on July 12  —  NEW YORK — Mayor Michael Bloomberg listed from his podium the names of the great performances in Manhattan's Central Park, from Bruce Springsteen to Elton John to Dave Matthews Band to ... Simon and Garfinkel?

Former Red Sox GM, Pittsfield mayor face ethics charge over Series tickets  —  Former Sox general manager Daniel Duquette was raked over the coals by Red Sox fans for failing to get the team to the World Series.  Now he is embroiled in a state ethics controversy for allegedly selling Pittsfield …

Oh, baby!  Manuel taps Castillo as Reyes' sitter  —  ST. LOUIS - Jerry Manuel didn't notice Jose Reyes tossing his glove after his errant throw to Carlos Delgado in the Subway Series finale on Sunday, and the interim manager doesn't expect to speak with the shortstop about the subject.

Piniella says ump ‘ambushed’ him on Sunday  —  Ejection Sunday got ‘a little frustration out’  —  SAN FRANCISCO - Manager Lou Piniella said he was “ambushed” by plate umpire Rob Drake during his second-inning ejection Sunday night at U.S. Cellular Field, and claimed Drake “wasn't paying attention” …

Raissman: Andy in the Hall?  Buck injects doubt  —  On Saturday, Joe Buck offered evidence that Fox's upcoming telecast of the All-Star Game from Yankee Stadium might not be a midsummer night fantasy void of reality.  —  With the Mets batting in the fifth, and Andy Pettitte dealing for the Yankees …

Griffey's HR in 9th lifts Reds over Bucs  —  CINCINNATI (AP)—Darren Baker hasn't yet learned the distinction between old and vintage.  —  The 9-year-old son of Reds manager Dusty Baker playfully called Ken Griffey Jr. old on Monday, then watched the 38-year-old outfielder end the game with a swing that was as sweet as ever.

Capuano visits teammates in Arizona  —  Rehabbing left-hander hopes to pitch for Brewers next year  —  PHOENIX — Chris Capuano, on the disabled list and nearly two months removed from his second Tommy John left elbow reconstructive surgery, has not thrown a baseball for seven weeks and will not for at least seven more.