Phillies, Lidge agree to extension  —  Three-year deal comes after brilliant start to 2008 season  —  PHILADELPHIA — Brad Lidge will be saving games in Philadelphia through at least the 2011 season, after the pitcher agreed to a three-year, $37.5 million contract extension.

Tampa Bay ready to make run at Fuentes  —  Brian Fuentes sat at his locker in the Rockies' clubhouse Saturday when his mugshot popped up during Fox's telecast of the Yankees-Red Sox game.  —  Both teams have a need and interest in acquiring the reliever.  But Tampa Bay is preparing …

Report: Lee, Webb to start Midsummer Classic … NEW YORK (AP) — Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez will highlight an American League All-Star team loaded with Yankees and Red Sox, according to a report on the New York Post's Web site.  —  Balloting for the All-Star game ended Wednesday …

For the Up-and-Down Mets, a Win Includes a Little of Both  —  PHILADELPHIA — The Mets have alternated losing and winning over their last eight games, giving up ground in the standings as quickly as they gained it back.  So in keeping with the dominant theme of the season, it was fitting that …

When all the stars come out, Rivera deserves honorary start  —  An open letter to Terry Francona:  —  Congratulations on winning the pennant last season and going on to win the World Series.  Hopefully the sports-talk radio heathens in Boston are giving you a break for being in second place.

Rays Plotting Move, But It Might Not Be A Big One  —  ST. PETERSBURG - ST. PETERSBURG - In attempting to get a read on what the Rays might do in the days leading up to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, the first statement that can be made is that the parameters have changed at Tropicana Field.

Drillers' Fowler is a star in the making  —  During Colorado's incredible postseason run to the National League pennant last October, I heard from many readers who were amazed that so many of the Rockies' standouts had played recently with the Tulsa Drillers.

Koshansky rides the July 4th home-run wave for 465 feet  —  The sound off the bat was frightening, like the ball had been shot out of a cannon.  Joe Koshansky's first home run traveled 465 feet, a missile that one-hopped the back wall below the Rockpile.  His teammates gave …

Change that Works  —  The Mariners defeated the Tigers Saturday night 3-2.  That win gives Seattle a 10-5 record under Jim Riggleman.  The offense was sputtering under John McLaren, but they appear to have come to life under the new manager.  —  Mariners Offense 2008McLarenRiggleman  —  Runs/Game

Brewers hesitate, opening Sabathia sweepstakes … With the Cleveland Indians in the process of considering offers for Cy Young Award winner C.C. Sabathia, the Milwaukee Brewers — who seemingly match up better with Cleveland than any other team in the Indians' need for young position players …

Clement's 2 homers give Mariners 3-2 win  —  Rookie Jeff Clement homered in his final two at-bats, the second a two-run shot off Detroit reliever Fernando Rodney in the eighth inning that lifted the Seattle Mariners to a 3-2 win over the Tigers on Saturday night.

Wood can't close out Cardinals  —  Closer touched up for three runs in the ninth inning  —  ST. LOUIS — Kerry Wood knew there would be days like this when he became the Cubs closer.  That doesn't make them any easier to deal with.  —  Rick Ankiel smacked a walk-off two-run single …