La Russa is seeking help now, not later  —  PHILADELPHIA — Moved by what he has received from a team recognized as overachievers, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa on Wednesday urged that the front office and ownership “use every resource we can” to improve as quickly as possible following significant moves …

Final Vote battles tight as deadline nears  —  Record number of ballots cast in support of 2008 candidates  —  Evan Longoria of Tampa Bay and Corey Hart of Milwaukee each were leading close two-man races with only hours remaining in the Monster 2008 All-Star Game Final Vote …

Olsen comes close to complete game in Marlins' victory  —  SAN DIEGO — Scott Olsen dropped his head, turned and headed back to the dugout Wednesday.  —  Never before had a pitcher been so disappointed to see a teammate draw a walk to load the bases.  —  It was the top of the ninth and the Marlins had a three-run lead.

Fenway firepower cements Sox sweep  —  Each starter collects at least one hit in 23-hit attack on Twins  —  BOSTON — Just call it the Boston tee-off party.  How else to describe the utter destruction done by the Red Sox's offense in an 18-5 romp over the Twins on Wednesday?

Trade involving Fuentes likely  —  MILWAUKEE — With the market for starters thin, there's growing buzz that Rockies closer Brian Fuentes will be the next pitcher traded this month.  —  Sitting in the visitors dugout Wednesday at Miller Park, general manager Dan O'Dowd said there was nothing brewing, if you will, at the moment.

Door suddenly open for Mets to redeem themselves  —  Their one and only All-Star Game participant was handed to them on the electoral vote, and today they might sneak another player in on the popular vote.  Yet it really doesn't matter all that much that the Mets won't be well represented Tuesday in the Midsummer Classic.

Chipper's personal success tempered by team's struggles  —  Veteran enjoying resurgence, but concerned with team's well-being … Q. How would you describe where you are as a player right now, compared to where you perhaps thought you'd be at this stage of your career a few years ago?

The Verdict Is In  —  As we approach 100 comments and 1000 votes, there isn't what I would call a... wide variety of opinion.  So, now is as good a time as any to post a response.  —  The fact that the “buy” vote is residing in Nader neighborhood isn't all that surprising .

Breaking down the draft: Picks 27-35  —  Today, we look at picks 27-35.  As a reminder, here are the previous articles in this series:  —  THT Draft Primer  —  Breaking Down the Draft: Part One  —  Breaking Down the Draft: Picks 18-26  —  With that out of the way, let's get started:

Not a joke: Alou gets hurt again  —  NORWICH, Conn. - A dejected Moises Alou removed himself from a rehab start with Double-A Binghamton after six innings Wednesday night, sidetracking plans for him to rejoin the Mets Friday for their series opener against the Rockies.

Hal Steinbrenner disappointed in Yanks' season  —  NEW YORK — Hal Steinbrenner emerged from a closed-door meeting in manager Joe Girardi's office Wednesday to say he was disappointed in the New York Yankees' performance this year yet reluctant to trade prospects for veterans in hopes of a spark.

Quentin's HRs rally ChiSox from 5 down  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)—Carlos Quentin's towering home runs kept Chicago close, then the White Sox went ahead without so much as a pitch being thrown.  —  Fighting back from a 5- deficit Wednesday night, the White Sox scored the go-ahead run …