Cards lose game, Mulder  —  Phillies 4, Cardinals 2  • Up next: at Phillies, 12:05 today, FSN Midwest  —  PHILADELPHIA — Whatever organizational hope remained attached to Mark Mulder's twice-repaired left shoulder came undone Wednesday night at Citizens Bank Park when his first major-league start …

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?

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.

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 …

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.

Munson's Widow Decides Time Is Right for Auction  —  With each passing year, Diana Munson would regard the home office of her husband, Thurman, with growing sadness.  The accumulated memorabilia in the room, with its Yankee-blue carpeting and suede walls, overwhelmed her and anyone who entered.

RHP Harden joins Cubs from Athletics  —  CHICAGO (AP)—Rich Harden's baseball career took a major detour, and when he arrived at Wrigley Field a bit sleep deprived Wednesday he felt several emotions.  —  He'd gone from the West Coast to the Midwest, from the American League to the National …

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 …