Seattle's Ibanez on Mets' radar for outfield help  —  Now that the Mets know Moises Alou isn't coming around the corner, they can turn their attention to trading for a replacement before the July 31 non-waivers deadline.  —  One name on the Mets' radar, according to a baseball official, is Seattle leftfielder Raul Ibañez.

Rays ace Kazmir blasts teammates' focus  —  CLEVELAND — LHP Scott Kazmir accused teammates of paying more attention to their competitors' results than their own play and said that is a primary reason for the Rays' recent struggles.  —  “We've got to worry about ourselves and concentrate …

Easley homers, Mets win seventh straight  —  NEW YORK (AP)—The pain rippled through Damion Easley's leg as he twisted away from an inside pitch.  The New York Mets second baseman needed to take a few extra moments before stepping back in the batter's box.  —  Easley bought enough …

Sources: Nats GM, assistant under investigation … Federal authorities and Major League Baseball are investigating Washington Nationals general manager Jim Bowden and special assistant Jose Rijo for their possible roles in a growing financial scandal involving the signing of players …

Rasner to test new mechanics vs. Jays  —  New York (49-44) at Toronto (46-47), Saturday, 1:07 p.m. ET  —  TORONTO — Although Darrell Rasner has struggled to maintain his early-season success, the Yankees starter believes that he may have discovered the root of his recent problems on the mound.

Halladay's 2-hitter lifts Jays by Yanks  —  TORONTO (AP)—When it comes to Roy Halladay, Derek Jeter has seen enough.  The New York Yankees shortstop considers his American League East rival to be the game's best starter.  —  Halladay threw a two-hitter and Matt Stairs and Rod Barajas homered …

Yankees sign Eric Milton to minor-league deal  —  Gernal manager Brian Cashman confirmed the Yankees have signed lefty Eric Milton to a minor-league contract.  —  Milton, who turns 33 next month, is still recovering from “Tommy John” surgery.  He threw on flat ground today in Tampa, Fla. …

Church: New tests ‘went very well’  —  Ryan Church had tests in Cleveland during the past few days, and the results were encouraging enough that the outfielder and the Mets are cautiously optimistic that he'll be able to return to the team, Newsday has learned.

A-ROD & GIAMBI BECOME POP-GUNS IN BIG SPOT?  —  In an attempt to find some reasons why the Yankees have issues scoring runs this season - when they're not facing the Mariners or Astros - I decided to look at how New York has done, this season, to date, in terms of “slugging” in High Leverage game situations.

Boy injured at Wrigley expected to live  —  CHICAGO (AP)—Doctors and family members say a 7-year-old boy who fractured his skull when he was struck by a foul ball at Wrigley Field was recovering and expected to live.  —  Dominic DiAngi of suburban Frankfort was sitting behind …

Peter King: Don't expect Packers to release Favre … NEW YORK — The fact Brett Favre asked for his release from the Packers is not a surprise.  What would be a huge surprise is if the Packers granted Favre his wish.  —  The reason the Packers will not give Favre his freedom is simple.