Some Players Hold Their Noses to Say Goodbye to Stadium  —  As players were beseeched by countless members of the news media to eulogize Yankee Stadium as it hosts its last All-Star Game, those sufficiently provoked Monday were willing to discuss what they would not miss about the old — very old — ballpark in the Bronx.

Hamilton's power display defies explanation … NEW YORK — Even before Monday night, the Legend of Josh Hamilton was already an onrushing storybook train, building speed on its way to a Cineplex near you.  —  But that was before he brought his little magic show to Yankee Stadium, a place where legends are born.

A day of denials ...  NEW YORK — Theo Epstein just responded to an e-mail I sent him in regard to the Mark Teixeira trade rumors that have been floating around the past two days.  The ESPN report was that Sox and Braves were discussing Teixeira for Kevin Youkilis and Craig Hansen.

Hard for Chipper to Shea goodbye  —  Chipper Jones learned to switch-hit as a kid because his father Larry revered Mickey Mantle, so the NL's starting third baseman appreciates the opportunity to play at Yankee Stadium a final time.  —  Jones' favorite New York stadium slated for demolition sits in Queens, however.

AMAZIN' PLANS  —  MINAYA MAY SKIP DEALS, PROMOTE FROM MINORS  —  THE METS are more seriously considering promoting from within (Fernando Martinez for the outfield, Jon Niese for the rotation, Bobby Parnell or Eddie Kunz if a bullpen arm is needed) then making a trade between now and the July 31 deadline …

Phillies closer Lidge received a big tip for career revival  —  NEW YORK - The opposing hitter who may have laid the last brick in the reconstruction of Brad Lidge will forever remain anonymous, but the Phillies closer remembers with distinction the day the conversation occurred.

Gallo: News' Foley, ‘Ask Red’ writer, dies  —  It's been a tough week for baseball.  Two mainstays of the Yankee press box have gone from our ranks.  Both were friends of mine.  —  Saturday it was Bobby Murcer, the Yankee ballplayer and broadcaster whose calm, honest and friendly manner made everybody love him.