Seven first-timers dot All-Star lineups  —  Red Sox place four AL starters; three Cubs to start for NL  —  The fans have voted.  And this year's All-Star starters, now set to represent the National and American Leagues in the annual Midsummer Classic at Yankee Stadium on July 15 …

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 …

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 …

Marlins call up top prospect Volstad  —  Righty to initially pitch out of 'pen, could join rotation soon  —  DENVER — The Marlins top prospect is now ready to join the big leagues.  —  Chris Volstad, the 16th overall pick in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, had his contract selected …

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

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.

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 …

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.

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.

Brewers restructuring offer for Indians' Sabathia … 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 …

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 …