Braves demote Francoeur to Class AA Mississippi  —  ‘I do not agree with this,’ struggling outfielder says  —  The Braves have sent struggling right fielder Jeff Francoeur to AA Mississippi, and the homegrown talent is not happy about it.  —  “This has really put a damper on my relationship …

Yankees' Surge Lasts an Inning as Red Sox Beat Them Again  —  The first inning could not have gone better for the Yankees on Friday.  The Boston Red Sox loaded the bases with one out, but Darrell Rasner survived with a pop out and a line out.  For a change, the opponent had wasted an opportunity, not the Yankees.

postGame: Phillies 3 Mets 2  —  The Mets (42-44) lost to the Phillies (48-39) by the score of 3 to 2 in Philadelphia tonight.  —  For a recap, boxscore, stats, etc., go to SNY.tv.  —  However, in case you missed it, know that Johan Santana looked great, but, for some bizarre reason …

Tribe cuts struggling Borowski, '07 AL saves leader  —  CLEVELAND — Indians closer Joe Borowski, last year's American League saves leader, was designated for assignment on Friday.  —  The right-hander blew his fourth save in 10 chances on Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox, and was 1-3 with a 7.56 ERA in 18 games this season.

Uggla could return during trip  —  DENVER — Injured second baseman Dan Uggla hit in the batting cage and did some light jogging before Thursday's game at Coors Field and felt fine afterward.  —  “I've obviously been really, really anxious to do something,” said Uggla, who sprained his left ankle against Arizona on Saturday.

Forget the Hardy rumor  —  A reliable source just told me I could forget the rumors that shortstop J.J. Hardy would be included in a deal for C.C. Sabathia.  Just thought I'd throw that out there before too many people freaked out.  —  These trade rumors get so nutty.

Cubs' Zambrano wins in return from DL  —  ST. LOUIS (AP)—The return of Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano trumped the soap opera setting of Jim Edmonds' homecoming and Albert Pujols' 300th home run.  —  Zambrano came off the 15-day disabled list from a shoulder strain with six spotless innings Friday night …

As the trade deadline approaches...  Jim Bowden today offered a little insight into the team's strategy as the trading deadline approaches.  It's kind of a maverick strategy founded on a simple premise: This season is not worth salvaging ... in any way.  Bowden appears very willing to trade …

Ibanez homers, Bedard goes 5 in M's win  —  SEATTLE (AP)—Raul Ibanez clanged a solo home run off the windows of a restaurant in right field and a pair of Seattle relievers helped finish what Erik Bedard started in the Mariners' 4-1 win over the Detroit Tigers on Friday.

Brewers stunned in ninth by D-backs  —  Parra's gem spoiled as Arizona scores six times in last at-bat  —  PHOENIX — Judging by the silence in the Brewers clubhouse Thursday afternoon, no one had the right words to describe what had just happened.  —  Some guys tried.  —  “Incredible,” starter Manny Parra said.